Through the last four decades, the United Ostomy Association (UOA) and its successor organization, the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA), have had a profound influence on improving the quality of life for individuals with an ostomy or continent diversion. It is estimated that 750,000 Americans are living with an ostomy and that 75,000 new surgeries are performed each year.
UOAA is making a difference in a number of ways, including patient-to-patient support, educational literature, a helping cyber-community, advocacy and promoting earlier detection of colon cancer.
The Silicon Valley Ostomy Support Group, an affiliate of UOAA, is committed to improving the quality of life for individuals with ostomy or continent diversion who live in the San Jose metropolitan area.
The Silicon Valley Ostomy Support Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Persons who have recently experienced surgery or are about to undergo surgery are encouraged to attend, as well as those who support ostomates.