Minutes of Meeting

September 18, 2003

Couldn't make it to the meeting and wondering what you missed? Learn
about what we discussed and the
guest speakers who enlightened us.


Executives in Attendance

• Caroline Chiasson – President
• Edith Scheliga – Treasurer
• Deanna Sterling – Webmaster and Newsletter Editor
  (also temporarily filling in as Secretary)

ET Advisors in Attendance

• Lina Martins – London Health Sciences Centre
• Ruth Best – London Health Sciences Centre
• Kathy Kozell – St. Joseph's Health Care
• Judy Arnold – Comcare Health Services

Guest Speaker  •  Judy Croden

• 26 members, caregivers and guests attended
  (in addition to the above)

The meeting commenced at 7:00 p.m.

Caroline Chiasson opened the meeting by welcoming everyone back from the summer break and introducing the ET team for the benefit of new members. It was noted that London gained a new ET Advisor over the summer, Judy Arnold from Comcare Health Services. This lead to the discussion of the ET Corner, a new addition to the newsletter wherein the ETs will answer questions posed by members and caregivers and answer them in the newsletter. To get a list of questions started, the ETs asked everyone to anonymously write down a question or concern they may have. The list of questions was given to Lina Martins at the end of the meeting. By no means does this preclude anyone from submitting additional questions. In fact, you are encouraged to do so. If you would like your question addressed in the ET Corner, please feel free to phone, mail or email one of the ETs. Their contact information can be found by  clicking here.

Deanna Sterling gave an impromptu speech about the new web site and all that it involves. In particular, she urged the group (those with computers) to visit the site and provide feedback or suggestions and to contribute any favourite ostomy-related links they may have in their favourites folder. As well, any and all contributions of articles or information would be welcome. Deanna then explained about the upcoming Discussion Forum that she was developing and how she hoped that by inviting ostomates from around the world, LDOA would provide a supportive, friendly and spam-free environment in which to share support and information. The estimated completion date for the Discussion Forum is mid-October 2003.

A discussion concerning the LDOA  Patient Visiting Program was lead by Kathy Kozell. It was noted that LDOA needs members to volunteer as Visitors, and that the next workshop may take place as early as January 2004 in London. It was suggested that neighbouring UOAC chapters (Stratford, Sarnia, Windsor) should also be invited to attend the one-day workshop. There is no fee to attend the workshop. Anyone interested in signing up may contact LDOA's Visitor Co-Ordinator, Brenda Turner, at  (519) 681-5973 or Caroline Chiasson, by phone  (519) 643-0124 or fax  (519) 643-0126. Learn more about the  Patient Visiting Program by reading the article Where Does the Help Begin? in LDOA's September 2003 newsletter.

Guest speaker, Judy Croden, gave an enlightening talk about exercise and ostomates.  Click here to read Judy's uplifting speech she gave at the meeting.

The remainder of the meeting was open to general discussion. Some of the topics included:

  • Lina Martins answered medical-related questions, many of which focused on IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and IBD (Infammatory Bowel Disease).

  • Caroline asked the group what kinds of topics and guest speakers they would be interested in listening to at future meetings. It was suggested that a pharmacist and a surgeon would make interesting guest speakers.

  • Caroline mentioned that the positions of  Vice President and Secretary  were still available. Click here for more information if you are interested in either of these volunteer positions.

  • Heather Smith (member) showed samples of the pouch covers she makes and explained the benefits of using such covers. She also explained how she can alter clothing, such as pants and bathing suits, to accommodate ostomy pouches. Click here if you are interested in learning more about Heather's pouch covers.

  • Someone asked why more ostomates in the age group of 20-40 years don't attend the meetings? Why aren't they more involved? Reasons suggested: career, children and family life in general may keep younger ostomates from attending meetings and becoming more involved.

  • This lead to a brief discussion about parents of children with ostomies.

Towards the end of the meeting, the 50/50 draw was held. Mark Smith (caregiver) produced the first of his woodcraft donations that the winner of the draw will receive at each meeting – an adorable puppy door ornament. Larry Bolender (member) held the winning 50/50 ticket and donated his share of the draw back into the "kitty" but kept the door ornament! Thanks to both Mark and Larry for their generosity.

The meeting concluded at approximately 9:00 p.m.


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