Our mission is to improve the quality of life for BIPOC who are affected by IBD, Digestive Disorders and associated Chronic Illnesses; through Community, Research, Education, and Advocacy.

Ostomy Awareness Day 2023

OCTOBER 7, 2023

OCTOBER 7, 2023

#WITHANOSTOMY Social Media (Instagram Post)

Join us to build ostomy awareness!


Ostomy Awareness Day


Ostomy Awareness Day, held annually on the first Saturday of October, is an opportunity to celebrate ostomates and spread ostomy awareness.

According to the National Institution of Health, about 100,000 people have ostomy surgery of the bowel each year. A little over 15% of ostomies in general are due to inflammatory diseases and obstructions. While ostomy surgery helps patients better navigate their illnesses, there is still more work to do to bring awareness, support, and an increased quality of life to our ostomates and their care partners.

Show your support by participating in COCCI activities now through October 7th.

References:

Hendren S, Hammond K, Glasgow SC, et al. Clinical practice guidelines for ostomy surgery. NIH Diseases of the Colon & Rectum. 2015;58(4):375–387. doi:10.1097/DCR.0000000000000347

BMHC Health Services Research: Who are the ostomy patients and caregivers attending Portuguese community pharmacies? A cross-sectional study

To our Ambassadors & Community Members, thank you for using your superpower–Your Voiceto bring awareness to the diversity in ostomy patients & families.

COCCI's 5 Questions: Ostomate Series

Ostomates lead regular lives involving simple or complex family dynamics, dating stories, work-life balance, and then some! This series will talk to patients about their lives while also dispelling myths that are perpetuated far too often. Check out these conversations!

Join Our Monthly Ostomy Support Group

Ostochat Group Graphic (2)

COCCI’s premiere support group for ostomates of all kinds. OstoChat is designed to bring the black and brown people of the ostomy community together to share tips, advice and to just chat about their experiences living with an ostomy.

Misconceptions #WithAnOstomy: Don't Get It Twisted!

A VIRTUAL EVENT VIA BRANDLIVE!

A continuation of our 5 Question Series, Ayana, Candice, and LaTesha discussed myths associated with having an ostomy, discussed tips on ostomy care and resources, and shared ways that ostomates can be supported.

This event is hosted in collaboration with United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. For more information on their Ostomy Awareness efforts, head to UOAA.

 

#WithAnOstomy Live Event Graphic (3)
Social Media Activities

Social Media Activities

JOIN OUR INSTAGRAM LIVE!

A Day In The Life Of An Ostomate

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7TH @ 9:00 AM EST
#WithAnOstomy Instagram Live Graphic Post

A conversation on our Instagram about living life as an Ostomate. Join our live to chat with LaTesha Harrison and Ashley Turner, two COCCI Ambassadors and Ostomates.

Participate in our Self Care Challenge and Giveaway!

Join us as we challenge ourselves to 12 self-care activities leading up to ostomy awareness day. The winner will receive $250 towards ostomy care or other medical needs.

There are four simple rules to participate in this challenge:

  • All are welcome to join the challenge. Help us spread ostomy awareness.
  • You can complete this challenge in any order that you’d like!
  • For each self-care challenge that you complete, you will receive an entry into our giveaway pool (more self-care = more entries!)
  • To document your participation, simply take a photo/video of your act of self-care, share it to your story or feed, tag our page & include the hashtag #selfcarewithanostomy

Ready, Set, Self-Care!

#selfcare #withanostomy #ostomyawarenessday #IBDawarenss #giveaway #selfcarechallenge

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Other Ways To Get Involved On Social Media

Looking for easy ways to share your story or spread awareness? Use our Toolkit to join the campaign! In the toolkit, you'll find sample text, graphics, and even overlays.

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