World Ostomy Day, also known as Ostomy Awareness Day, is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of October. It's a day for people to unite and raise awareness about ostomy surgeries while supporting the resilience and strength of the millions of ostomates worldwide. This year, World Ostomy Day is being held on October 5. Learn more about this important day and how you can get involved below.
Understanding Ostomy Surgery
Ostomy surgery is a life-saving procedure that creates an opening, or stoma, in the abdomen to allow waste to exit the body when the usual route is no longer viable due to disease, injury, or congenital conditions. This surgery may be necessary for individuals with conditions such as colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or trauma to the digestive or urinary systems. There are three main types of ostomies: colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy, each corresponding to different parts of the body and different medical needs.
Common Challenges of Living With Ostomies
Although ostomies are life-saving procedures, many individuals still struggle after the surgery. There are several challenges of living with an ostomy, some of which include the following:
- Dietary adjustments
- Learning how to use ostomy products
- Changing an ostomy pouch in public bathrooms
- Skin irritations
- Body image concerns
- Breaking through the stigma
- Emotional and psychological factors
- Impact on sexual health and relationships
- Dealing with the common myths and misconceptions
Regardless, it's important to understand that people with ostomies don't want pity. They want people to get educated and better understand life's realities with a stoma. That's one of the reasons Ostomy Awareness Day is so important.
What is Ostomy Awareness Day?
Ostomy Awareness Day is an annual event that raises awareness and understanding of ostomies. It's a chance for ostomates to connect with others while reminding the world of their strength, courage, and resilience. This year, the theme is "Ostomies Are Life-Savers," and the goal is to reduce the stigma commonly associated with living with a stoma.
2024 Run For Resilience Ostomy 5k
United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA) is hosting the Run for Resilience Ostomy 5k in eight cities nationwide this year. The ostomy 5k event is one of the key fundraising events to help support services provided by the UOAA. You can attend the structured events in the following cities:
- Rogers, AR
- Durham, NC
- East Stroudsburg, PA
- Nashville, TN
- Meridian, ID
- Birmingham, AL
- Downers Grove, IL
- Niles, OH
If you can't attend the physical event for Ostomy Awareness Day on Saturday, October 5th, you can sign up for the virtual run/walk/roll! This extends virtual ostomy support to anyone, anywhere. Whether you run, walk, pedal, or roll in your neighborhood, at the gym, or at a nearby park doesn't matter. The goal is to get up and get moving.
This is a key fundraiser to support the programs and services of United Ostomy Association of America, Inc., so those interested in participating should register online and create their very own team. You can then work together to raise money or create a team fundraising event. Regardless of whether you're participating in one of the in-person events around the country or the virtual ostomy 5k, every registration matters.
Each registration also comes with an Ostomy Awareness Day 2024 t-shirt and bib that you can wear during the event or when you're out and about in your community. Although in-person registrations will remain open throughout the day of the event, the deadline for t-shirts through an online registration is September 6, 2024, at midnight! If you miss the deadline, you can still receive a bib if you register by noon Eastern time on September 25, 2024. Learn more about the event and how to register here.
Byram Healthcare is proud to support World Ostomy Day as one of the Ostomy 5k sponsors.
How to Support Individuals Living With an Ostomy on World Ostomy Day and Beyond
If you're unable to participate in the ostomy 5k for National Ostomy Awareness Day, that's okay. There are plenty of other things you can do on behalf of the ostomy community. Some of the best ways to spread awareness include the following:
Advocate for Ostomy Awareness in Your State
One of the most powerful things you can do this year is join us in advocating for Ostomy Awareness Day. Every year, UOAA advocates to engage elected officials nationwide about the importance of lifesaving ostomy surgeries and the harm of ostomy myths. While some officials advocate daily, we're always stronger together.
To help, UOAA has created an advocacy toolkit to make it easier to track progress and contact local officials. So, before the day comes, join the movement and ask your governor to issue a letter of support or a state proclamation. This process can take some time, so get started now! You can find more information on how to do this using the toolkit here.
Reach Out to Your Local News Channel
Want to make a big impact on your local community? Try writing or calling local media channels to see if they can provide information or coverage on the big day. You can offer to share your story or ask them to mention the fundraiser. UOAA has created a sample letter for you to use, making reaching out simple and fast.
Educate Others by Sharing Important Information
Another impactful way to support Ostomy Awareness Day is by educating others. Many people are unfamiliar with what an ostomy is and the realities of living with one. Take the opportunity to share accurate information about ostomies, including the different types and the conditions that might lead to such a procedure. During this time, remember to emphasize that ostomies are life-saving procedures.
Education also helps dispel common myths, such as the misconception that ostomates can’t lead normal, active lives. Try using brochures and flyers, or even organize small information sessions at your workplace, school, or local community center. The goal is to foster understanding and empathy, making it easier for ostomates to navigate public life without unnecessary stigma or misunderstanding. The Ostomy Day Infographic for 2024 can be found here.
Post on Social Media and Use Ostomy Awareness Day Hashtags
Social media is a powerful tool for raising awareness and creating a stronger sense of community. On Ostomy Awareness Day, consider posting about the event, sharing facts about ostomies, or even posting a personal story if you feel comfortable doing so.
Use hashtags like #OstomyAwarenessDay, #OstomiesAreLifesavers, #RunforResilience, and #OstomyStrong to join the larger conversation and help others find your content. Don't forget to tag UOAA for those who want to take action. Sharing visuals, such as infographics, photos from events, or personal milestones, can also make your posts more engaging and spread the message further.
Share Life Saving Stories of Ostomates
If you feel comfortable doing so, celebrate World Ostomy Day by sharing your story. Although it can be a little scary at first, talking about your ostomy journey can help others find the strength to overcome their own ostomy-related challenges.
Sharing can be done in various ways—through blog posts, videos, interviews, or even a social media post. Highlighting the resilience, strength, and courage of ostomates can challenge misconceptions and break down the stigma surrounding ostomies. Your story might be the one that helps someone else find the strength to embrace their new normal and thrive.
However, if you're not ready to share publicly, that's okay, too. There are plenty of other ways to celebrate Ostomy Awareness Day and show your support as an ostomate.
Take Action and Support World Ostomy Day 2024
The United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) is a national, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports, empowers, and advocates for people who have had or will have ostomy or continent diversion surgery. This year, the main event is the Run for Resilience Ostomy 5k. If you can't participate virtually or in person, we encourage you to donate to the cause. All proceeds benefit the United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc.
Byram Healthcare is proud to be one of the 2024 National Sponsors for this year's World Ostomy Day. Whether through donations or by helping ostomates find affordable, high quality ostomy supplies, Byram is committed to improving the lives of those living with ostomies. Contact us today to learn more about your options.
