Welcome to Phil’s fundraising page!
In a few weeks – Saturday, October 5, 2024 - I will dedicate my time along with friends, family, and fellow ostomates to participate in our local Run/Walk/Stroll for Resilience Ostomy 5k in Spokane, Washington’s beautiful Manito Park. This will be my ninth year helping to empower people who have had or who will have ostomy or continent diversion surgery. Different this year is that our Spokane Ostomy Support Group formed a fundraising team, the “Lilac City Pouchers,” to enhance our impact!
This is more than just a race for me, so I am asking for your help, again! The goal of these events is to raise awareness in our communities about people who have had or who may someday have this life-saving surgery. Funds will support United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that makes a difference in the lives of the estimated 750,000 to 1 million Americans who have had ostomy surgery. As I said, these surgeries are lifesaving, and have allowed many people to return to living a healthy, normal life.
I have already shared my story with many of you, and I want to thank all of you who have supported me in previous Run for Resilience events! I am now asking you to support me again as I train to participate in this important event.
In spring 1985, my active career as a field geologist with the US Bureau of Mines was interrupted by the sudden onset of a severe intestinal disease, ulcerative colitis. Following six months of intense but unsuccessful treatment, my only choice was to undergo a total colectomy, removal of the entire diseased colon. Since that lifesaving surgery, I've worn an external appliance with a pouch, designed to collect bodily waste. The pouching system must be changed every few days. Thanks to strong support from my wonderful family and understanding and backing from my willing colleagues, I was able to resume the work and challenges of a field geologist. Since finishing my career in 2012, I've been active in the Spokane Ostomy Support Group, an affiliate of the United Ostomy Associations of America. I am currently the editor of "InSider" Newsletter and co-manage the Inland Northwest Ostomy Support Groups website, both of which serve seven ostomy support groups in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho (https://inlandnwostomy.org/). I am also an avid walker & biker and manage 10 acres on which my wife, Gisela, and I live.
I have set my fundraising goal at $ 500.00. You can help me achieve this goal and to support those who need our help. If you too wish to support me and this worthy cause, please visit my fundraising campaign site by clicking the donate link or click Register to create your own site and join me!
Thank you for your support. Not only will you be helping me reach my goal, but you will help each and every person who has had or who may one day have ostomy or continent diversion surgery.
Sincerely, , , Phil Moyle
PS: To find out more about the Run for Resilience Ostomy 5k please visit https://ostomy5k.org/ and to learn more about UOAA please visit https://www.ostomy.org/.
