Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-10-05

HONORING OSTOMY AWARENESS DAY

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Context

On 2026-10-05, Representative William R. Keating (D-MA-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING OSTOMY AWARENESS DAY" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING OSTOMY AWARENESS DAY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 157 (Monday, October 5, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 157 (Monday, October 5, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1026] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING OSTOMY AWARENESS DAY ______ HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING of massachusetts in the house of representatives Monday, October 5, 2026 Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ostomy Awareness Day. An ostomy can be a challenging and deeply personal journey, but for many, it is also a life-saving and life-restoring procedure. Whether facing colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, traumatic injuries, or other serious health challenges, ostomy surgery offers a path forward, restoring hope and enabling people to return to their families, workplaces, and communities. In Massachusetts, approximately 17,500 people have an ostomy. They are our neighbors, friends, family members, coworkers, veterans, students, caregivers, and community leaders. Their journeys reflect remarkable strength and resilience, overcoming adversity and significant medical challenges to lead full and meaningful lives. Too often, people living with an ostomy face stigma, misunderstanding, and unnecessary barriers. Ostomy Awareness Day provides an important opportunity to educate the public, dispel misconceptions, remind us that an ostomy does not define a person or diminish their quality of life, and recognize the families, caregivers, clinicians, certified ostomy nurse specialists, and other health care professionals who provide essential care and support. Their compassion and expertise are pivotal in helping people adjust to life after surgery and thrive. This year, Ostomy Awareness Day will be observed on October 3, 2026. We celebrate the resilience of the ostomy community and honor the dedicated professionals and medical advancements that make these lifesaving surgeries possible. Most importantly, we recognize that an ostomy is not the end of a person's story; it can mark the beginning of a healthier and more hopeful chapter. This year's theme, ``One Community--Stronger Together,'' reminds us that no one should have to navigate life with an ostomy alone. Awareness, education, peer support, and access to quality care are essential to ensure that every person with an ostomy can live with confidence and dignity. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the ostomy community, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing October 3, 2026, as Ostomy Awareness Day. ____________________

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HONORING OSTOMY AWARENESS DAY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 157 (Monday, October 5, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 157 (Monday, October 5, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1026] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING OSTOMY AWARENESS DAY ______ HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING of massachusetts in the house of representatives Monday, October 5, 2026 Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ostomy Awareness Day. An ostomy can be a challenging and deeply personal journey, but for many, it is also a life-saving and life-restoring procedure. Whether facing colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, traumatic injuries, or other serious health challenges, ostomy surgery offers a path forward, restoring hope and enabling people to return to their families, workplaces, and communities. In Massachusetts, approximately 17,500 people have an ostomy. They are our neighbors, friends, family members, coworkers, veterans, students, caregivers, and community leaders. Their journeys reflect remarkable strength and resilience, overcoming adversity and significant medical challenges to lead full and meaningful lives. Too often, people living with an ostomy face stigma, misunderstanding, and unnecessary barriers. Ostomy Awareness Day provides an important opportunity to educate the public, dispel misconceptions, remind us that an ostomy does not define a person or diminish their quality of life, and recognize the families, caregivers, clinicians, certified ostomy nurse specialists, and other health care professionals who provide essential care and support. Their compassion and expertise are pivotal in helping people adjust to life after surgery and thrive. This year, Ostomy Awareness Day will be observed on October 3, 2026. We celebrate the resilience of the ostomy community and honor the dedicated professionals and medical advancements that make these lifesaving surgeries possible. Most importantly, we recognize that an ostomy is not the end of a person's story; it can mark the beginning of a healthier and more hopeful chapter. This year's theme, ``One Community--Stronger Together,'' reminds us that no one should have to navigate life with an ostomy alone. Awareness, education, peer support, and access to quality care are essential to ensure that every person with an ostomy can live with confidence and dignity. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the ostomy community, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing October 3, 2026, as Ostomy Awareness Day. ____________________