We connect new ostomates with veteran ostomates
Team HOPE is our matching service that connects new ostomates with our Champions (veteran volunteers).
If you are facing ostomy surgery,
it’s natural to feel scared and isolated
I am looking for an
Ostomy Friend
Engaging with a Team HOPE volunteer – someone who has experienced having an ostomy firsthand – can significantly transform your recovery experience. Team HOPE volunteers listen, empathize, and offer valuable resources because they have gone through their own ostomy journey.
I have an ostomy and want to become a Team HOPE Champion
Our team matches volunteers, who have completed the United Ostomy Associations of America online “Ostomy Friends” training course, with new ostomates based on factors like gender, type of ostomy, lifestyle, age, and other relevant factors to ensure a supportive match.
Team HOPE Champions like Jim are passionate about encouraging new ostomates and sharing their ostomy experience.
Join us and become the next Champion of HOPE!
“Team HOPE offers a chance to connect with others who have faced the same challenges and overcome the hurdles. I felt less alone afterwards and optimistic that I might come to acceptance over my experience.”
“Team HOPE is especially valuable for someone my age who doesn’t interact with many young ostomates; the connection is priceless.”
“Team HOPE is
so valuable because I was matched up with someone that has an ostomy and could relate to what I am going through. She had “been there” and offered encouragement and advice to help at a time when I was so vulnerable.”
“Thank you so much for allowing me to serve on Team HOPE -it is so wonderful that this kind of support exists for patients now.”
“Thank you so much for the opportunity to help another ostomate; it gives me purpose!”
Helping
Ostomates through
Peer
Encouragement
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”
– Desmond Tutu