Running For Change: Patient Advocacy and the Ostomate

The WannaWearOne Ostomy AWEARness (WWO) 5k race promotes patient advocacy and raises ostomy awareness in the local community and nationwide. Established by two North Carolina WOC nurses, the race also serves to raise significant funds for the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA). The unfortunate negative stigma and lack of understanding surrounding ostomy surgeries and ostomates, people living with ostomies, inspired these advocating nurses to enlist the community’s help in promoting positive ostomy awareness.  The inaugural WWO 5k run occurred on October 4th, 2014 in Durham, NC. It inspired sister events in Kingsport, TN, Portland, OR and worldwide through a Virtual Race in 2015. The first race raised $15,000 for the UOAA, while the 2015 race exceeded $40,000 in funds benefiting the UOAA and ostomates across the country. The money raised helps to strengthen ostomy support groups nationwide, funds lobbying for ostomy related actions, and pays for patient education literature and online campaigns. A portion of the proceeds helped fund the Sandi McBride CARES Scholarship, which sponsors a North Carolina ostomate’s attendance to the biannual UOAA conference.

   In addition to raising money for the UOAA, the 5k events raised critical ostomy awareness, promoting networking and collaborative efforts between WOCNs, doctors, advocacy groups, healthcare companies, patients, their families, and the community-at-large. Many local businesses donated time and funds to the cause while simultaneously learning about ostomy surgery. Event participants were provided an ostomy pouch and were encouraged to read enclosed educational material to further awareness and understanding. Additional efforts, via a website and Facebook page, reached thousands of people worldwide that were unable to attend the live event. The WWO 5k will be held annually on Ostomy Awareness Day and will commit to advocacy for ostomates by promoting positive acceptance and assisting in the realization that ostomy surgery saves lives!