Ostomy Awareness Day

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, an ostomy is a type of surgery that creates an opening (stoma) in the abdomen that allows for the removal of bodily waste when a person has lost the normal function of digestive or urinary systems due to birth defects, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other medical conditions. The bodily waste passes through the stoma into a ‘pouch’ or ‘ostomy bag’ on the outside of the body; and

WHEREAS, ostomy surgery can occur at any age and does not lower life expectancy. Nearly 750,000 Americans have an ostomy, with approximately 130,000 new ostomy procedures performed each year; and

WHEREAS, Americans needing these surgeries are becoming more aware of the opportunities for education, mutual aid, advocacy and support largely in part by the efforts the of United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc., (UOAA) and its over 325 Affiliated Support Groups; and

WHEREAS, Alabama is committed to increasing public understanding of “ostomy” to eventually help dispel the fear of those about to undergo this surgery, as well as the fear that confronts their families. This day will serve as a reminder to the American public that this is a life-saving and life-restoring surgery; and

WHEREAS, Alabama recognizes public education and awareness is vital to ensure those who are living with an ostomy face no discrimination and are accepted as normal, healthy individuals. Through education and awareness we can erase the myths, stigma and embarrassment that are sometimes associated with having an ostomy; and

WHEREAS, Alabama and other government and private sectors are deeply committed to the proper care and advancement of knowledge about bowel and urinary diversion surgery as a result of birth defects, disease, injury and other digestive disorders; and

WHEREAS, Alabama recognizes October 1, 2016, as “Ostomy Awareness Day” in order to increase public acceptance of ostomy surgery and to remind the ostomates in Alabama that they are resilient and encourage them to be “Bouncing Back Into Life”:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim October 1, 2016, as

Ostomy Awareness Day

in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of October 2016.

Robert Bentley

Governor