UOAA Discussion Board

I have been a subscriber of the Phoenix Magazine since 2007 when I had my ileostomy surgery and have gained a lot of knowledge regarding my ileostomy and several related topics regarding vitamins, minerals, and other related ostomy topics, and I really like the magazine. The UOAA ostomy group is not located in my city where I live so I depend on the Phoenix to learn about Medicare, ostomy related topics, and so forth. In the past I could subscribe to the magazine on the web, and since my last subscription in September 2024, I no longer can renew or subscribe to the Phoenix on the web anymore. When I go to the UOAA website, I am given a number to call to renew my subscription and no person answers the phone. I have left a message on various days, different times of the day, different weeks, and I never get a call back.. Has the Phoenix magazine folded? Are they no longer taking anymore subscriptions or renewals?

I received one for Fall 2025....and the last time I paid was January of 2024 as far as I can see....

Hi Mara,

My last subscription I paid for was September 2024 and that expired September 2025. I received the Fall issue, and sadly I haven't been able to reach them since my subscription expired in September to renew it for another year. I'm not sure if they are continuing their magazine for future subscriptions or what. I'm sad that I won't be reading and learning from those experts in the field any longer.

Unfortunately, the magazine has indeed folded. Here is a recent statement that UOAA sent to its affiliated support groups:

The Phoenix Magazine is Closing

We have some difficult news to share regarding The Phoenix magazine, UOAA’s official publication. After his thoughtful review and consideration, our publisher, Ian Settlemire, has made the hard decision to discontinue the magazine. The Winter 2025 issue will be its final edition.

This was not an easy choice, but it reflects the changing ways our community seeks information and engages with content. As we move forward, UOAA is exploring new platforms and opportunities to ensure we continue to inform, support, and reach the ostomy community in meaningful ways.

While The Phoenix magazine will no longer be produced in print or digital form, UOAA remains deeply committed to providing the same trusted education, inspiration, and community connections you have come to expect. We invite you to stay connected with us through our website at www.ostomy.org, our e-newsletters, and our social media channels for ongoing updates, news, and resources.

Thanks for the clarification, Bob...too bad as like 22Sun I found articles there to be informative even for an old timer like I am....

As far as social media, etc I don't really do those but I do have a local group that has online monthly meetings....

Plus I think those of us subscribers should have been informed directly since our emails were known to the publisher....

About notifying subscribers... I assume (or at least hope) that the Winter 2025 issue, which may appear soon, will make it very clear that it's the final issue.

I'm very sorry to hear the bad news.

I feel as if an old friend has died. The Phoenix Magazine has been a lifeline for me over many many years. As one of the UOA "Ancients," this is indeed the end of an era for me. With failing health issues, the loss of friends & relatives, my strength to just carry on is gone. Here is something I wrote after my only brother & remaining sibling passed away last Easter time:

A Tree Toad’s Lament

At dawn’s break, a mournful sentinel trills out its grief in solitude.
Beseeching the surrendering darkness to release its dead
Before sunlight seeps in to fill the void.

Esperanza
5/30/25


Stupid Me, I shared it with an acquaintance who referred to it as 'Doomsday drama.' Continuing to basically, reprimand me for my self-centeredness. Probably correct. Whatever. . .
Learning of the cessation of the Phoenix tonight, I feel a need to mourn. Realizing that despite my incessant clinging to the UOAA's motto. I am very much alone.