The Edmonton Ostomy Association is a group dedicated to providing support and educational services to persons with an ileostomy, colostomy or urinary ostomy. We are a volunteer based non-profit organization with medical advisors. Anyone with or without an ostomy is welcome to attend our meetings, whether you are a caring family member, friend or a member of the medical community. The word ostomy signifies a type of surgery required when a person has lost the normal function of the bowel or bladder due to birth defects, disease, injury or other disorders. Such operations include colostomy, ileostomy, and urinary diversions. The ostomy allows normal body wastes to be expelled through a new surgical opening (stoma) on the abdominal wall. Some ostomates must wear special appliances over the stoma. The Edmonton Ostomy Association offers: ASSISTANCE - in the rehabilitation of anyone with an ostomy by pre-operative and post-operative visiting at the request of the physician or enterostomal therapist (E.T.) EDUCATION - to promote better understanding by the general public and families of people with ostomies. INFORMATION - a newsletter is published nine times a year with helpful information for those with ostomies and their families. It includes news of upcoming events and meeting dated. REGULAR MEETINGS - which offer people an opportunity to meet and exchange useful information and experiences with other persons having an ileostomy colostomy or urinary diversion. It is a chance to see and learn of different appliances and obtain and exchange articles and booklets on ostomy care. Interesting and knowledgeable speakers are often invited to address the members. Getting together helps and encourages people with ostomies to resume their former activities and to continue to lead happy and productive lives.