The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net 

THE Megan Louise Sands Ostomy Foundation is hoping to raise $50,000 with its upcoming third annual 5K fun, run and walk. 

This event takes place this Saturday, starting at 6.15am at the Montagu foreshore.

There are hundreds of Bahamians today living with an ostomy – a surgically created opening from an internal organ, such as the intestine, to an external point on the body, usually in the abdomen. The three types of ostomies are colostomy, urostomy and ileostomy.

People with an ostomy use a heavy duty plastic pouch worn outside the body that is attached to the stomach. It serves the purpose of collecting urine and stools. 

Without much needed ostomy supplies, many people are limited in their daily activities. 

The Megan Louise Sands Ostomy Foundation launched its patient assistance programme three years ago to lift the burden of financially challenged ostomates and improve their lives to some extent. 

The programme currently services 21 patients and enables ostomates to obtain a temporary supply of essential items, including pouches, wafers, skin prep wipes, remover wipes and paste.

Funds raised from Saturday’s fun run and walk will go towards the programme and the operational fees of the foundation. 

“This programme helps patients afford the vital ostomy supplies as well as support from an ostomy nurse. We have Bahamians applying to the programme and reapplying to the programme daily, so we encourage the public to show support. Donations can be sent to the Megan Louise Sands Ostomy Foundation,” said Megan Sands.

In 2006, Megan suffered serious injuries after being in a jet-ski accident, which resulted in her having to undergo a colostomy. She started the foundation to raise funds for those individuals who are living with an ostomy and are economically disadvantaged, and who require both financial and emotional support.

“No one is exempt from the possibility of having ostomy surgery, and unfortunately our current health system is not able to manage and supply ostomates with the supplies that are vital to an ostomates life. There are Bahamians who have ostomies that have to resort to using a Ziploc bag to collect their waste because they are unable to afford proper ostomy supplies. We are here to help those ostomates. The 5K fun run and walk is the main source of obtaining funds toward this programme,” she said.

Megan said the organisation will continue to create awareness that ostomates can live a life without limitations and help break the stigma surrounding ostomies.

Interested persons can register at the Sports Center in the Harbour Bay Shopping Plaza for a fee of $20, which includes a T-shirt. Call 359-0020 for more information.