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.

Marie Eggers
Board Vice Chair

Twenty-five plus years ago I was diagnosed with rectal cancer.  I underwent chemo and radiation therapy to shrink the tumor so it could be removed.  Four months later I underwent surgery which resulted in a permanent colostomy.  I thought I would never be able to return to doing the things I loved, but at least I was alive and healing.  I was also afraid that my relationship with my husband would change.  He said to me, “You were Marie before the surgery and you’re still Marie. Surgery has not changed you.” Those were the most wonderful words I had ever heard and were what I really needed to hear.  I experienced an outpouring of love and support and I have come through this with a renewed enthusiasm for life.

Remember, “A good attitude is the best medicine.”

Evon Rubenstein
Board Secretary

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.

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.

Mike Neilson
Member at Large

I am an outdoors kind of guy, pushing myself to the extreme in all that I do has always been my mantra.

In 2021 I started having uncontrolled weight loss, and activity recovery times lengthened; then the bleeding started. A colonoscopy revealed stage 2 rectal cancer. Doctors were optimistic, giving me a treatment plan of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery for a temporary colostomy. Neither the chemo, radiation, nor the temporary colostomy went as planned so when I woke up after surgery I learned my rectum had been removed, leaving me with a permanent colostomy. Recovery ended up being much harder than expected — dark times.

As soon as I was able to sit, I started attending the Phoenix Ostomy Support Group. This was a huge game changer for me! Meeting others that have similar situations has been both informative and inspirational. I have received a wealth of great information, enabling me to get my mind straight and get back to recovering.

I am back outdoors doing the things I love. Life is worth living and moments are fleeting, so get the most out of the life you lead!