Great Comebacks Awards celebrate inspiring ostomates
William Cusack and Julia Kittscha have both been recognised at the 2019 ConvaTec Great Comebacks Awards for their unwavering spirit, resilience and determination to living, and supporting those with a stoma.
Great Comebacks encourages people who have had ostomy surgery or are living with a stoma to share their stories and, in doing so, inspire others who are facing the same challenges. The program celebrates the success and effort of the individuals and healthcare professionals who have gone above and beyond to help ostomates gain their optimal quality of life.
Cusack, from Bunbury, WA, is this year’s recipient of the Great Comebacks Award. Having faced and overcome immense challenges with illness throughout his life, he was thought to be one of the youngest Australians ever to be diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.
Kittscha, a Stomal Therapy Nurse with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, has meanwhile been awarded the Stomal Therapy Nurse Great Comebacks Award for her untiring commitment and support of ostomates and dedication to stomal therapy.
Five other finalists — Hally Chapman, Barbara Taylor, Margaret Bambrick, Samantha Abarca and Dian Cheyne — who have risen to and conquered the challenges of living with a stoma, were also recognised at the awards.
“Our finalists have all shown an unwavering resilience against adversity and we’re thrilled to be celebrating their Great Comebacks with them,” said Erin Goodwin of the Great Comebacks Steering Committee.
“Living with a stoma is very confronting and it’s encouraging and inspiring to see what can be achieved during such difficult times.”
Great Comebacks is sponsored by medical technology company ConvaTec, which has a comprehensive suite of stoma care product for patients. Bruce Moncrieff, Acting Vice President and General Manager for ConvaTec Australia, said the company is “delighted to be celebrating and sharing the achievements of our 2019 Great Comebacks”.
Moncrieff said, “ConvaTec works together with the Australian Government’s Stoma Appliance Scheme which plays a significant role in assisting ostomates nationally with a wide range of cutting-edge technology.
“We’re committed to finding innovative solutions and new technology that addresses ostomates needs and helps provide them with the confidence to embrace this journey and thrive.
“Each of our finalists has shown astounding determination and we are most humbled by their incredible achievements and stories of strength.”
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