Meet The Board

Debra Adinolfi
Board Chair

I suffered with Crohn’s disease for most of my life.  In my 50’s I underwent surgery for a blockage in my large intestine.  But what type of surgery was it going to be?  The surgeon determined that an ileostomy was the correct procedure for me.  I still live a very active and fulfilling life.  I continue to participate in the activities I did before my ostomy, it just requires a little more planning.  Getting involved in the ostomy community was advantageous because I learned so much from other ostomates and medical professionals.

Evon Rubenstein
Board Vice Chair

My ostomy journey started on a Sunday night when I screamed at my husband to call 911. I was in surgery within hours. My colon had ruptured, and I had peritonitis poisoning my whole body. When I woke up the next day I had a colostomy. I had no idea what that meant. Nine years later I am grateful for this life saving surgery and my stoma Rosebud!  I would have never been able to cope with this without the ostomy support groups I have attended. I have met wonderful people and received great information.

Now as a yoga therapist, I specialize in working with individuals who have undergone ostomy surgery. With a compassionate and holistic approach, I empower individuals with ostomies to embrace their bodies, cultivate self-love, and discover the transformative power of yoga in their healing journey.

Lisa Haselberger
Board Secretary

My ileostomy gave me my life back. After several years and countless doctors later, I finally found a doctor that took the time to listen to my symptoms, diagnose the challenges I was experiencing and help me find a solution to a better life. An ostomy was never the plan but in November of 2023, and 4 emergency surgeries within 12 days, I woke up from the 4th surgery with an ileostomy. I thought my life would never be the same. Being younger, I thought I would never be active again. That was not even close to the truth. I cannot thank my doctor, the nurses at the hospital, and the Phoenix Ostomy Support group enough. With their help, I was able to get my life back and find my new normal. I am very active in my daily life and enjoy hiking, running, swimming and even just ran a half marathon less than one year after my ostomy surgery. I appreciate what my ileostomy has given me, freedom.

“Everything will be alright in the end, if it is not alright, then it is not the end.” – John Lennon

Kerrie Bainum
Board Treasurer

In my early 30’s I was diagnosed with Crohn’s and I  was on immuno-suppressive medications for 25+ years managing pain and cramping, I was suffering.  My colon eventually gave out and I needed an ostomy to save my life.  I was so sick at the time I didn’t know what that meant so I was refusing.  It was my WOCN that convinced me to have the surgery, which gave me my life back!   My first time to an ostomy support meeting I cried, it was such a relief and comfort to be with other ostomates.

Rodney Foley
Member at Large

In early 2023 I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. I underwent radiation and chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, making surgery safer and more effective. In early 2024, I had surgery to remove my rectum and a foot of my colon, resulting in a permanent colostomy.

A few months after surgery, I began attending the Phoenix Ostomy Support Group. Connecting with others who understood what I was going through made a considerable difference in my recovery and outlook. Sharing experiences, getting advice, and hearing others’ stories has been incredibly helpful, both practically and emotionally.

I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from the ostomy community, and I’m honored to give back by serving on the board. I hope my story helps others know they’re not alone on this journey.