October 03, 2026
WHEREAS, an ostomy is a type of surgery that creates an opening (stoma) in the abdomen that allows for the removal of bodily waste when a person has lost the normal function of digestive or urinary systems due to birth defects, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other medical conditions. They are also necessary in cases of severe abdominal or pelvic trauma resulting from accidents or from injuries sustained during military service. The bodily waste passes through the stoma into an ostomy ‘pouch’ on the outside of the body or in the case of continent diversion surgeries, an internal surgically created reservoir; and,
WHEREAS, approximately 725,000 to 1 million Americans have an ostomy, with approximately 100,000 new ostomy procedures performed each year; and,
WHEREAS, ostomy or continent diversion surgery can occur at any age and affects people from all cultural backgrounds; and,
WHEREAS, the United States of America celebrates Ostomy Awareness Day every year on the first Saturday of October; and,
WHEREAS Michigan is committed to increasing public understanding of “ostomy” to eventually help dispel the fear of those about to undergo this surgery, as well as the fear that confronts their families. This day can serve as a reminder to the American public that this is a lifesaving and life-restoring surgery; and,
WHEREAS Michigan recognizes the need that public education and awareness is vital to ensure those who are living with an ostomy face no discrimination and are accepted as normal, healthy individuals. Through education and awareness, we can erase the myths, stigma and embarrassment that are sometimes associated with having an ostomy; and,
WHEREAS Michigan and other government and private sectors are deeply committed to the proper care and advancement of knowledge about bowel and urinary diversion surgery as a result of birth defects, disease, injury and other digestive disorders; and,
WHEREAS, to increase public acceptance of ostomy surgery and continent diversion surgery and to help the country better understand that not all disabilities are visible, Michigan is designating “Ostomy Awareness Day” on October 3, 2026;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 3, 2026 as “Ostomy Awareness Day” celebrating the theme “One Community - Stronger Together”, and I call upon all residents of Michigan to unite on this day in a showing of support that people living with an ostomy thrive when the public is educated on the resilience of this community.
