Welcome to my fundraising page!
In November, I started experiencing frequent bloody bowel movements. After multiple visits to immediate care, my primary doctor, and a GI specialist, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis following a colonoscopy near the end of January this year. A month later, while on vacation, my symptoms worsened. On the flight home, I had to leave my kids alone 4 times within 2 hours to use the restroom.
A week later, what I thought would be a quick check-up turned into an extended hospital stay, spanning from March into April. During this time, my colon perforated, leading to an emergency surgery where my colon was removed.
Today, I live with an ostomy bag. While it brings its own challenges, it alleviates the constant stress of finding restrooms whenever I leave home. It’s not the life I envisioned, but I’m fortunate to have an incredibly supportive family.
This year, I have made a commitment to celebrate 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 Saturday, October 5th I will participate in the Downers Grove 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 some day 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 life-saving, 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 $ ______ . 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,
Matt Marra
