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An estimated 1.4 million Americans are affected by Inflammatory BowelDisease (IBD)(1), a collective term for Crohn's disease and ulcerativecolitis, many of whom are initially impacted when they are adolescents oryoung adults.(1) Approximately 750,000 Americans are living with anostomy.(2)
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"By sharing their stories of personal triumph, these remarkableindividuals are giving hope to thousands of other patients and their familiesby showing that it is possible to lead a fulfilling life with IBD or anostomy," said Rolf Benirschke, former San Diego Chargers place-kicker,ulcerative colitis patient and chairman of the Great Comebacks(R) AwardsProgram. "We continue to be committed to demystifying these diseases andostomy surgery through education, advocacy and support in the United Statesand worldwide."
Joining the regional Great Comebacks(R) recipients this year are fouryoung people being recognized with Ina Brudnick Awards. This award, given inmemory of pioneering stoma care nurse Ina Brudnick, presents $1,000 each tofour students, 24 years old or younger, who have undergone ostomy surgeryand/or have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis and intend to pursue ahigher education.
The Ina Brudnick Award winners also are joined by three young peoplerecently named as the 2007 Comeback Kids. This program, an extension of theGreat Comebacks(R) Program, recognizes young individuals between the ages ofseven and 17 who are living active, productive lives while managing their IBDand/or ostomy.
This year's Great Comebacks(R) and Ina Brudnick Award recipients will behonored at regional ceremonies during the fall, and their stories will beshared on the Great Comebacks(R) Web Site at www.greatcomebacks.com. One ofthe Great Comebacks(R) regional recipients also will be honored as the 2007National Great Comebacks(R) recipient in early 2008, and will receive theGreat Comebacks(R) Glass Eagle, handcrafted in crystal.
"We are proud to honor the achievements of these brave individuals who areleading inspirational lives while battling Crohn's disease and ulcerativecolitis," said Richard J. Geswell, the Foundation president. "Their importantmessage to others that you aren't alone is the reason why patient programslike Great Comebacks(R) and the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation continue reachingout on a regional and community level."
"Through more than two decades of Great Comebacks(R) Awards we have hadthe privilege of getting to know patients from around the U.S. and the worldwho have taught us so much about personal courage, perseverance and theirunbeatable spirit for living," said David Johnson, president of ConvaTec."Their examples inspire all of us at ConvaTec every day to continue to developand provide technologies and support that aids in their ability to achievegreat comebacks."
About Great Comebacks(R)
Each year, the Great Comebacks(R) Program recognizes adults, children andteenagers who are living with IBD, colorectal cancer or an ostomy. Begun in1984 by former San Diego Charger place-kicker and ulcerative colitis patientRolf Benirschke, Great Comebacks(R) provides hope, inspiration and educationto support patients and their families. More information on the GreatComebacks(R) Program is available at www.greatcomebacks.com.
About ConvaTec
ConvaTec, a world-leading manufacturer of ostomy and wound care productswith a heritage of caring about patients, is a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
