Professional rodeo rider and ostomy survivor speaks to support group about living life to the fullest July 28, 2010

Tony Bell, professional rodeo rider and ostomy survivor, will be the featured speaker at Trinity Regional Health System’s ostomy support group at 7 pm, Wednesday, August 4, in the Edgewater Café of Trinity Moline. Bell will speak about how he has overcome the challenges of living with a permanent ostomy – a surgical opening in the abdomen that allows waste to leave the body – and has since grabbed life by the horns, both literally and figuratively. The public is invited. Born with a defect of his colon, Bell had multiple surgeries as a child. After years of struggling with incontinence, he received a permanent colostomy at the age of 9 and finally was able to live his life to the fullest. Bell has since competed as a professional rodeo rider, pursued his love of music and is in the process of earning a degree in special education. “I want to share with the world my story of success so that others with life-changing conditions know that they are not alone,” said Bell. His presentation encourages attendees to make the most of the day at hand and embrace life, despite the struggle of living with an ostomy. “We are excited to host such a passionate speaker,” said Mary Gloeckner, nurse and leader of the ostomy support group. “It is so helpful for those living with an ostomy to know that their quality of life can exceed their own expectations, and Tony Bell is a perfect example of this.” “Follow your dreams. Be the person you want to be. Live the way you want to live because you’re in charge,” Bell said. “No matter what comes your way, always reach for the stars and grasp your dreams; they are only a bull ride away.” Bell’s visit is sponsored by Convatec. To RSVP or for more information contact John Spegele at (317) 529-1850 or John.Spegele@convatec.com. For more information about the ostomy support group, contact Mary Gloeckner at (309) 779-2803. -#-

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