The United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA) joins with ostomy associations around the globe to celebrate World Ostomy Day and Ostomy Awareness Day on Oct. 6. “Let’s Be Heard” is the theme for the 2012 World Ostomy Day. It is a day of celebration for those who have had ostomy surgery, friends, family and caregivers. Its goal is to raise awareness about ostomies and shine a positive light on this important, life-saving surgery.
During World Ostomy Day, support group organizations, ostomy supply manufacturers and members of the Medical Community across the world will hold special events including fairs, open houses, picnics and educational meetings. These events inspire, motivate and spotlight the active and rewarding life made possible through living with an ostomy.
There are over 700,000 people with ostomies in the United States, and over 100,000 ostomy surgeries are performed each year. Medical conditions resulting in ostomy surgery can be Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Colon Cancer, and Familial Polyposis to name a few.