March/April 2006
Page 3

1. Your presence is encouragement to others.
2. No matter how long ago your surgery, no matter how many meetings you have attended, there's always information to be gained.
3. Keep up on newer developments and hear the speakers who are invited with information pertinent to ostomates.
4. You may have questions and problems that can be asked and answered at the meeting or researched -
5. Give support and encouragement to the volunteers (leaders and trained visitors) and to each other.
6. Be role models for new ostomates to show an active life can continue.
7. See that many of those who were in trouble are now helping others.
8. Learn what's new in equipment.
9. Feel good with our peer support group.
10. Experience a sense of accomplishment and renew a positive attitude for life and fulfillment.

Source: Schenectady Chapter, NY; Metro Halifax Chapter, February 2006, via Inside Out On-line Mar/Apr 06.