Advocate

This entire experience has changed me for the better.  Instead of dwelling on everything, I have decided to reach out to others.  I am currently writing a memoir along with this blog.  I published a memoir type article in the UOAA Phoenix magazine March 2012 issue.  I have done 3 different photo shoots representing the life with an ostomy.  I did one for me, one to model clothing for women to wear in the summer for The Phoenix, and one for Stealth Belt.  I have started a support group at my grad school, UConn for students suffering from a physical chronic medical illness.  It began last year and I am continuing it this upcoming year.  Ideas continue to flow for new ways to advocate for others.  I made business cards and handed them out in the hospital I was at for patients suffering from IBD, Crohn’s, Colitis, and people with an ostomy or thinking of surgery.  I want to be a voice for them and living proof that life is great with an ostomy and it’s not the end of the world. Once I have my master’s degree in Social Work, I intend to open my own practice dedicating time to people with these diagnoses and ostomies.  I would also like to get funding to have social workers in every colorectal office for extra support.  When I saw my surgeon, it was never good news and I would have loved to have a professional to speak with at that moment.  Not everyone believes in therapy but I am a strong believer that it is an important aspect along with the other professionals.  I email celebrities like Oprah and Ellen DeGeneres to share my story and get the word out that even young people live with an ostomy and live successful, thriving lives at that.  I don’t know where the roads will lead or where my life will take me but I know it will be to help others.