I have been an ambassador for Eakin Healthcare for 5 years now. When asked, I was in my little corner of Instagram sharing what life was like as a parent to a child with a stoma. I was also sharing what life was like the second time around with a stoma myself.
I was in a unique position with no one else to relate to. Social media was a form of therapy and a way of connecting to others in the ostomy community. The aim was to reach those that felt like they were the only ones, as I think many of us can say at some point we have felt isolated or lonely with it. Being an ambassador has brought with it so many wonderful opportunities, and for that I am so grateful.
Learning from others
Meeting my fellow ambassadors, from the OG’s to the newbies, there is always something to learn and a new perspective to listen to. I am lucky enough to have formed real friendships offline with some of them too! Knowledge is key, and meeting others, learning their stories and how they deal with the barriers they face, has given me lessons along the way. There is so much to be said for learning from those that do, not just from those that teach. It is not often that life brings you together with those that are similar to you where medical conditions are concerned.
It was particularly lovely to meet the men that take the time to share their own ostomy journeys who, without realising, are paving the way for people like my son to grow into a more accepting society. As we know, men are less likely to share and talk about things. My fellow male ambassadors are really paving the way for change, and for that I am proud to stand by them.
Public speaking and events
Co-hosting the podcast ‘Beyond the Pouch’ has been the biggest highlight for me to date. I have been able to meet some incredible people who have shared their deepest and darkest ostomy moments. There have been tears of upset and laughter. I will always be proud of those conversations and never underestimate the bravery and openness of the guests willing to share to help support others.
When it comes to sharing about my condition, I don’t underestimate the responsibility I have in taking the opportunity to break the stigmas attached to living with a stoma. I have had the privilege of attending the annual ASCN (Association of Stoma Care Nurses) conference, fly to Belfast to meet colleagues and provide staff training, and be part of the launch of new toilet signage which represents that accessible toilets are needed for those with invisible illness, not just visible.
My son was asked to open the distribution centre in Cardiff which was such an honour and a proud Mum moment for me. He spoke to an audience and enjoyed meeting Jeremy Eakin and Padraic Dempsey, CEO and Director of Eakin Healthcare, who took such time and effort in welcoming him and showing him what happens behind the scenes.
How it helps others
Historically, literature given following stoma surgery would often represent an older demographic. What being an ambassador does is show others similar to you that you can live your life, achieve goals, and be proud of your body and stoma. In taking the opportunities to write blogs such as this one, produce reels showing parts of everyday life, and show people that they have choice and they can take control of their health, is very important to me. I received messages every week reaching out for help, comfort, or thanks for what I am sharing. I do it with a heavy heart. Sometimes what I share is hard, it is heavy, but equally I feel it is important to show balance. It lets people know yes there are challenges, but they don’t have to define you. I share because if one person takes comfort, or goes to sleep that night thinking if I got through it maybe they can. That is the power of sharing.