A few weeks ago, I wrote about the event I attended for The Pap Corps. The Pap Corps raises a huge amount of funds for cancer research, and we all feel grateful they are as successful as they are. The event was incredible, highlighting Survivors/Thrivers treated at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center through the University of Miami Health System. As I watched the Survivors walk down the runway with their medical support, I decided I needed to be part of the recovery of those with so much on their plate. Having mentored hundreds of ostomates over the past close to ten years since becoming one, I felt prepared to offer my participation.
I am very proud to announce that I have been accepted to the WOMAN TO WOMAN PEER MENTORSHIP PROGRAM designed to support breast cancer patients, but includes other cancers, as well. The patients I have mentored over the years have included bladder and bowel cancers, so I am bringing awareness of the needs of those cancers which may lead to an ostomy.
In order to be most effective, I will attend training at the end of the month. I will be meeting with mentees via Zoom or phone unless in-person is an option. I also anticipate participating or perhaps starting an online support group for ostomates with cancer. It is exciting to envision what I can do, and accomplish, for those who need guidance and support.
We live in very good times medically. We now know we must recognize that once one has a diagnosis and a medical protocol plan, there needs to be a path for not simply living, but living our best lives. That comes from those who have successfully walked in our shoes, being able to say, “Better times are ahead and here are ways to get there.”
The Peer to Peer plan provides an educational environment for patient, family member, or caregiver to receive information in regards to treatment. Additionally, how nutrition and other variables might affect recovery. There is so much for me to learn, but I am all in!
I began this year, 2023, with three goals in mind: make ostomy a household word; bring awareness of ostomy and its myriad of benefits to medical students and practicing physicians and medical personnel on the benefits of this life-saving procedure; and increase my ability to better mentor those in need. This opportunity helps me meet those goals, particularly as the incidence of bladder and colon cancer are forever in our lives. I will share more as time goes on, and thank you, as always, for sharing my difficult times and proud moments!
BRAVO!!
Good for you and good for all the people you’ll touch!
Good for you. and good for all the people you’ll touch!
What you do is so important and so much needed! You are truly a gift and touch everyone you come into contact with.
Congratulations
Congrats Ellyn! You will continue to make a huge difference to those lucky enough to have you as their peer.
Congratulations! The patients will be lucky to have you by their sides.
L’chaim, keep up the good work and MAZEL TOV on your appointment. You bring hono to whatever your involvement.
😘😻😻
Jan
I have always said you walk with the angels. You never disappoint my first impression of you. J
Congratulations on this additional road you will be including in your life’s journey. Recovery in physical and mental health is not only possible but probable.
Remember self care and taking time for yourself.
Congratulations 🍾
You will make a huge impact!
How exciting for you and the people you will mentor along the way … you cease to amaze me Ellyn … I need just a fraction of your energy !
Hugs to you and Mazel Tov 😘
Great to hear!!! You are a huge support to people who feel so vulnerable and frightened. All the women who are your future mentees
are fortunate to be supported and cared for by you!
Congratulations, Evelynn for your hard work and dedication, God Bless you!!!!!
Ellyn, congratulations!! You will do great things. Hey, they should have something like this for Chronic Kidney Disease. I got my catheter in yesterday for Dialysis so now they don’t have to keep poking me in my arm to find a vein. I have crappy veins! LOL Anyway, again, congratulations! Love, Mary Ann
Mazel tov to you, Ellyn. We marvel at your many gifts.
Ellyn, you have given me one more reason to be so proud of you. Your realization that there is such a need to mentor those that probably feel so helpless about confronting their disease, and your active role to be able to reach these very folks with your soothing way and mentoring plans. You are part of the great plan “to repair the world” as our faith teaches us to do.
Congratulations! I applaud your commitment to support and improve the lives of others.