It is an honour to take over the reins of the "Visiting Coordinator" from Anne Lecot. Anne has served us well over the last 3 years, but has decided to retire as coordinator and will continue on as a visitor. Many thanks to her for her dedication and commitment in making sure that a response was provided for all requests.
My name is Shelley Breslaw-Wynne. I'm 37 years old and had my ileostomy surgery in October of 1996 as a result of a long battle with Crohn's Disease. Kevin and I have been married for 6 years and just celebrated the one-year birthday of our daughter, Sophie. Many of us had the benefit of a visit from an ostomate either before or after our life-changing surgery. For those of us who didn't, think of how your journey may have been made easier if you'd had the opportunity to share your fears, concerns and hopes with someone who had been in a similar situation.
And so here is my plea: While we have many wonderful visitors, we need more, and in particular, younger ones, that is, men and women and their spouses in their 20's 30's and 40's. And while - thankfully - the numbers are low, there is also a need for teenagers and parents of teens and children with ostomies.
To encourage new visitors and visitors that need to be recertified, we have decided to hold an interim visitor training session this fall. If you are interested in becoming a visitor, the day-long session on Saturday, October 28, 2000 (8:30 am to 3:00 pm) will fully prepare you for this most important post-operative role.
If you've already taken the course, but missed retraining this past April (like me!), then the morning half of the day will recertify you for the next three years. I'll be doing my best to reach all members, but you can always call me at 489-6530 to sign up or see me at the September 27 General Meeting.
The visitor training is open to all members and their spouses, including Ileostomies, colostomies, ileal conduit, continent urostomies, pelvic pouch, two ostomies, Koch Pouch and Hirshsprungs Interest group.
From a support standpoint, I can't stress enough how important visitors are, but having been a visitor for three years, I can tell you the rewards are immeasurable!
Regards,
Shelley Breslaw-Wynne
Visiting Coordinator WOA
