Mark your calendars – Saturday, 5th October is no ordinary day. It’s World Ostomy Day! This is the day when we raise a toast to our amazing ostomy community and shine a light on the superhero stomas that keep life flowing.
So, what’s World Ostomy Day all about?
World Ostomy Day is a global celebration dedicated to raising awareness and smashing those old-fashioned taboos about ostomies. Every three years, we pull out the party hats to educate the public, share stories, and give ostomates a well-deserved round of applause for their resilience.
We’ve even created a special video just for the occasion! You’ll hear personal and inspiring stories from our ambassadors, who, like many others, faced numerous challenges before having their stoma and how this life-changing surgery has transformed their lives for the better.
World Ostomy Day 2024
Why does this matter to you?
First off, because stomas are lifesavers. Literally! An ostomy is a surgical procedure that diverts the body’s waste, whether that be stool or urine, out through an opening in the abdomen when part of the intestines or bladder needs to heal or be removed for many reasons including bowel disease and cancer. While it might not sound glamorous, for those living with a stoma, it is life-changing in the best way possible. But let’s be real – adjusting to life with a stoma can be a wild ride, and World Ostomy Day is here as a reminder to say, “you’ve got this!”
Understanding ostomies is crucial – not just for those directly affected, but for friends, family, and society at large. By learning about the life-changing benefits of ostomies, we can all contribute to reducing stigma and supporting those who bravely navigate life with a stoma. This is an opportunity to foster compassion, build community, and ensure that everyone feels empowered to live their best life. It’s a day for everyone!
How Respond has your back
Here at Respond, we’re on a mission to make life with a stoma a breeze. Our eakin® seals and stoma care products, are designed to keep leaks at bay and comfort levels sky-high. Because we believe ostomates shouldn’t have to compromise between living life to the fullest and staying comfortable.
Plus, we’re all about education and advocacy. World Ostomy Day isn’t just about raising awareness; it’s about building a community where no one feels like they’re going through it alone. We support initiatives that ensure ostomates get the care and respect they deserve, and we’re here to help anyone who needs a hand (or seal, or bag – take your pick).
Get involved – let’s make some noise!
Here’s how you can get in on the action:
- You can join us by celebrating the ostomy community over on our socials where we would love to hear your stories and experiences. Whether you’re just starting out or have been embracing your stoma like a boss for years, your story matters. These are the stories that break down stigmas, change perceptions, and show us how to live life to the fullest – no matter what challenges come our way.
- #WorldOstomyDay is where it’s at! Hop on social media and a give a shoutout to the amazing ostomy community.
- Be an advocate! Whether it’s pushing for better healthcare access or just explaining what a stoma is to a curious friend, you can make a difference to those living with a stoma every day.
- Check out our blogs section written by ostomates, for ostomates, to find insights and experiences shared by our community!
So, there you have it – World Ostomy Day is your time to celebrate the brilliance of stomas and the incredible people living with them. Let’s make some noise, have some fun, and remind the world that ostomates are unstoppable on this day and every day!
