THE PRESIDENT'S CORNER  Sept 2011

My trip this year to the UOAA Conference held in Reno Nevada Aug 7-11 2011: 

Yeah no troubles w/ TSA!! Made it there with no issues. First session they had TSA there speaking to let us know what to expect and if we ever need help or have questions who to contact. (Let me tell you, when I thought I'd lost my driver’s license the night before flying back,  I was finding those names and numbers!) Thankfully I did find it and returned with no issues as well. The first night, Brenda MC'd the fashion show sponsored by C3 Life and Hollister. Some of us got VIP treatment and were sitting right next to the runway where all the action was. Everyone looked great and did a fantastic job.

One of the Keynote speakers was Rob Hill, who at the age of 23 climbed Mount Everest.  http://nogutsknowglory.com/robs-story/ It was interesting to see what he has accomplished even with an ostomy. Another Speaker was Ágúst Kristján Steinarrsson, who is from Iceland. He spoke about his treks over Iceland and other places around the world. He basically told his doctor when and what he was going to do. Let's just say his doctor wasn't too happy at first – he thought it was a little too soon after surgery. He loves what he does and was always smiling even at the edge of the cliff (one wrong step and look out below!), but he got the photo. The photos were amazing. They also have a promotional campaign going for swimming pools where people with stomas are welcome. The sign shows ostomates in swim suits and for some their appliances do show.  Check out an older blog of his at http://www.goingup.me/about-2/ .

I did attend some meetings on newsletters and websites, so hopefully I will be able to share this info with everyone and possible revamp our website with some free to low cost software and such that is available to nonprofits such as ours. I met a gentleman from the Philippines and the group and newsletter that he has started and how they don't talk about having an ostomy in public because they would be laughed at and put down. Hopefully it will change. If those who knew him only new the truth and how much better life can be - he was such an inspiration.

All in all I had a great time and even got to ride in an ambulance. Everything is okay it wasn't for me I accompanied a friend. It was a first for both of us. Riding in an Ambulance that is. 

Your Outgoing Co-President  - Amy

Please welcome your new Co-President's Marlee is going another round and Kara will be sharing the responsiblities.

To continue to receive the newsletter please contact: Ann Marie Kronick at  amkronick@comcast.net

To sign up for the Email Meeting Reminders contact: Marlee Kivens at  kiven002@tc.umn.edu

Want to be more involved?? Contact a Board Member. We have a few Positions where we could use some help. Looking for a Co President to Help out Marlee in the coming year. Help w/ Membership.

 -The Benefits and Rewards will touch you by giving back.

Who We Are