Summary
Organization name
Ostomy Foundation
Tax id (EIN)
85-3145343
Address
14 Elm St. Suite 1New Milford, CT 06776
The Ostomy Foundation educates, supports, mentors and
empowers ostomates, family members, caregivers and others within the ostomy
community.
Through support networks, speaking engagements, social
media and community programs, we provide tools that encourage a positive ostomy
experience.
It also advocates for client rights and strives to
eliminate misconceptions and stereotypes related to an ostomy that exist for
ostomates and in the public.
WHO WE SERVE
The organization serves clients of all ages and from all
stages of illness. This includes pre-op and immediate post-op surgery care, as
well as those who seek long-term assistance for continuing education and
emotional support.
In coordination with clinicians at hospitals, we provide
supportive services and education to hospital inpatients and outpatients, as
well as ostomates receiving services through health care agencies and skilled
care/rehab facilities.
WHAT IS AN OSTOMY?
An ostomy is a new opening created surgically in the
abdominal wall to reroute the path for waste to exit the body. This can be
either permanent, if an organ needs to be removed, or temporary, if an organ
needs time to heal.
By combining part of the name of the organ that is
relocated to the outside of the body – colon (large intestine), ileum (final
section of small intestine) or the urinary system – with the word “ostomy,” we
get the three main types of ostomies: colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy.
Any of the three main types of ostomies may be necessary due
to cancer, Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis (UC), inflammatory bowel disease
(IBD), birth defects and many other medical conditions.
In addition, a tracheostomy, which is a new opening to
allow air to pass through the trachea, is a type of ostomy.
FUNDING
Funds are received through private donations, community
giving days such as Give Local Greater Waterbury Litchfield Hills, the
organization's New Milford River Run 5K and Kids' Superhero Sprint, and grants.
ORGANIZATION HISTORY
Founder and president Bob Reiling, a New Milford native,
has been an ostomate for 30 years. His compassion for helping others, vision
for empowering fellow ostomates and first-hand knowledge and experience of an
ostomate's journey propelled him to launch the foundation.
He is vice president and co-host of the Waterbury Area
Ostomy Support Group; co-host of the Health Products For You Ostomy Support
Group; a member of the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA); a
certified visitor through the UOAA for in-home care; a regular contributor on a
daily basis to approximately a dozen online ostomy support groups and forums;
and manages the Ostomy Awareness Foundation's support group and social media
platforms.
Organization name
Ostomy Foundation
Tax id (EIN)
85-3145343
Address
14 Elm St. Suite 1