Welcome to my fundraising page!
My whole life I had stomach problems, but in June of 2020 I became bed bound due to an unknown illness. Turns out, after several years and many tests as well as failed medications, I had dysomotility in both my stomach and large intestine. I tried every drug on the market, a number of off label drugs, and even a pill that vibrates in your intestines. None of it worked. Finally my GI referred me to a surgeon and in February of 2024 I was given the gift of my ileostomy. This helped me restart my life again. I can now go out to restaurants, see friends, and spend time with family. All of which was unimaginable in the not so distant past. My ileostomy really improved my quality of life. Ostomies are life savers!
This year, I have made a commitment to spend Ostomy Awareness Day, Saturday, October 5th, as part of a group of people who are empowering people who have had or who will have ostomy or continent diversion surgery. In order to fulfill this commitment, I am asking for your help.
On October 5, 2024, I will participate in the Virtual Run for Resilience Ostomy 5k. This is more than just a 5k race for me. The goal of these events is to raise awareness and to empower people who have had or who may someday have ostomy or continent diversion surgery. Funds will support United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that makes a difference in the lives of the 725,000 to 1 million Americans who have had ostomy or continent diversion surgery. These surgeries are lifesaving and have allowed many people to return to living a healthy life.
I am writing to share my story, and to ask you to support me as I train to participate in this 5k race. To find out more about the Run for Resilience Ostomy 5k please visit www.ostomy.org/5k, and to learn more about UOAA please visit www.ostomy.org.
I have set my fundraising goal at $ 250 . You can help me achieve this goal and help me pay tribute to those who need our help. Please support my fundraising campaign by clicking the donate link to sponsor my efforts in meeting my fundraising goal, or click Register to join me!
Thank you for your support. Not only will you be helping me reach my goal, but you will help each and every person who has had or who may one day have ostomy or continent diversion surgery.
Sincerely,
Anna Couchenour
