We are looking forward to seeing many of you out on Saturday, October 7, 2006 to celebrate World Ostomy Day. World Ostomy Day (WOD) is an event held every three years around the world to publicize the work of the Ostomy associations and the volunteers who support these organizations. This is an opportunity as well to get the message out about the need for assistance in Third World countries. The end result is to let the rest of the world know that ostomates can and do live their lives to the fullest. A poster outlining the activities, time and location has been mailed out. A follow up phone call is planned to remind you to bring family and friends for a few hours of fun and fellowship.
Recently there have been reports that airport security is not allowing ostomates on board with Eakin seals and/or paste. The WOA does have an official travel card that members can request that may prevent this from happening in the future. It can be filled out and signed by your doctor and/or your E.T. nurse. Most travelers, using this card in the past, report that the card has been very beneficial in preventing problems going through security. Cards can be obtained at Chapter meetings or by contacting one of the Executives listed on the back of this newsletter.
Our numbers are increasing, in part due to the mail out that the WRHA did which included a WOA pamphlet and we thank them for helping us with that. We realize that not all members are able to attend meetings due to the distance but we do encourage you to write to us at the address on this newsletter or e-mail us at woainfo@mts.net with your questions or concerns and we would search out a professional to answer your questions. One bit of information that came out of conference this year is that the WOA is one of the top three Chapters with the highest number of members. We are in good company with Halifax and Toronto. Your Executive is really pleased with these numbers and we are working to make our Chapter even larger and better for our members.
Speakers, presentations, DVD's, rap sessions, Christmas party, etc. are all in the plans for our upcoming Chapter meetings. Our Chapter is run so that you are able to find support, information and fellowship. We look forward to seeing you all in the near future.
Lorrie Pismenny
