Young Ostomate & Diversion Alliance of America (YODAA) 2008

 

Hard Rock Cafe Guitar

For more Information about YODAA Click HERE

TWO LETTERS: RECAP FROM YODAA CONFERENCE

 

South Central Region scholarship recipient Sara Bogenschutz attended YODAA held in August. She wrote down her experience to share…

 

“I left Texas 8/8/08 and returned 8/14/08 from the YODAA Conference 2008. While I attended sessions YODAA had for ostomates included: opening session, traveling tips, pregnancy, sexuality, nutrition, exercise and fitness, banquet with dinner and dance,  future of YODAA and UOAA, skin problems with WOCN Barbara, surgeries and treatments, medications, exhibit hall, social activities and finally the closing session.

 

I learned a lot of new stuff this year at the conference especially from attending these sessions. I would recommend you to send patients to this conference next year since it will be held in New Orleans, LA. You can checkout the website at www.yodaa.org for more information. Patients will learn how to cope and deal with their ostomy and learn new stuff that will help them in the future. They will also meet people that have the same thing as they have. Another website to check out is www.uoaa.org

 

I also had a session with the manufacturer and luncheon where they talked to us about products and information about their company. I want to thank your organization for sponsoring me to attend this conference”

 

Sincerely,

Sara Bogenschutz

 

Please see the pictures Sara sent us in the scrapbook. http://www.scrwocn.org/scrapbook/scrapbook.htm 

 

Letter from YODAA Attendee, Kala Simon

I've been dealing with this condition my whole life but yet never shared it with anyone. I kept hiding this because I was ashamed and was uncomfortable talking about it, until recently, I've shared it with a few close friends, but it's still uncomfortable.

 

Last summer, my ET Nurse told me about a medical conference for ages 18-40 called YODAA meaning Young Adult Ostomy and Diversion Alliance of America. I've never heard anything like it nor did I ever know that there were people with similar or the same medical condition as me. For a couple of months, I didn't tell anyone my decision or even if I was interested because no one knew I had this condition except my immediate family. I made my decision and told my ET nurse but no one else until I told a friend and surprisingly she knew already, that I decided to go. We talked about it and I told her my fears and she put me at ease; now it was up to me to actually jump out of my comfort zone and go. I told others, some were all for it; telling me that this would be a great opportunity to meet other people around the world dealing with the same situation but on the other hand, there were people who were totally against it. For the fact that it was in another state, I was going alone and also because I've been dealing with really bad medical issues lately and they were concerned. Fear was attacking, I was hoping something would come up, so I wouldn't have to go and face my fears. But like a very dear friend told me, "Put you big girl panties on"; sooo… I put my "size 14s" on and followed my heart. The enormous support from my friends, family, and church family made it so much easier; knowing that people were supporting me, was the greatest gift of all.

 

The day had finally arrived and I was a nervous wreck. With many fears, I went on that plane and traveled all by myself. I conquered so many of those fears which I am so proud of myself for. Being away from home, with people I've never met, terrified me but I got through it, knowing that Our Precious Lord was by my side the whole way. Though my shyness provoked me to do a lot of things, I did meet a few people who will be life long friends. I didn't have to hide my medical condition which I do hide it with my friends at home because I can honestly admit I am ashamed and embarrassed. A lot of people at the conference were very open and shared their stories about having this certain issue but I couldn't because I was still uncomfortable even though they are all going through the same situation. I did however share a little with a few people. I had my rough days, but through prayer and encouraging emails, I got over it.

 

Through this conference, I've learned more about my condition and made great friends along the way. I've grown as a person from this experience and am very thankful for the opportunity.

 

Thank you all for the support and sponsorship. I really truly appreciate all the help I've gotten and am truly blessed to have gone to this conference.

 

Sincerely,

Kala Simon

Hard Rock Cafe Guitar at night

Erin, Melanie and Kala

Sara, Melanie and Kala

Cheryl Ebbingbaus YODAA  Chair and Chris Eng YODAA  Cochair

Melanie, Sara and Kala