Thank You Tribute--The Phoenix Magazine-Winter 2020

[To Dream a Dream]

In this edition, the UOAA President' Message is a lovely summary of Susan Burns's many years of service as she has led our organization through a maze of challenges and changes. Carefully updating the UOAA's founding principles to meet current trends in both medical and cyber technology. Her journey a major contribution to not only those with ostomies today, but also future generations. I was personally humbled by the way in which she responded to the tragedy of a child who had been literally bullied to death. Proving both her compassion, empathy as a mother and decisive leadership with such swift response in mobilizing UOAA's forces to define our primary objective by immediately reaching out to the boy's parents. Emphasizing to all those touched by ostomy surgery in whatever capacity that 'You are not Alone.' We stand together to provide support, education and advocacy for all. And in this, her final president's letter, she asks us "to continue raising awareness and shining a positive light while living your best life." A brave commission by a very courageous lady.