NEW ORLEANS, June 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Chuck Wielgus,
Executive Director of USA Swimming, was named this year’s Great
Comebacks® National Award recipient at a ceremony held in
conjunction with the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses (WOCN)
Society’s 43rd Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA. The
Great Comebacks® Program, which provides support for people
living with intestinal diseases that can lead to ostomy surgery,
annually honors outstanding individuals who are inspiring others to
live life to the fullest after surgery.
“Chuck Wielgus has courageously faced many health challenges,
yet has refused to let anything slow him down and keep him from
accomplishing many things in his life. Great Comebacks® is
proud to recognize Chuck for his strength of heart and mind, and
for helping us change misperceptions and build greater awareness of
living life with an ostomy,” said Rolf Benirschke, Founder and
Chairman, Great Comebacks® Program.
Since his ostomy surgery following a diagnosis of Stage III
colorectal cancer in 2006, Wielgus has remained active in USA
Swimming, traveling widely to encourage competitors at numerous
meets including the Beijing Games in 2008. He is also Chief
Executive Officer of the USA Swimming Foundation, raising awareness
of the achievements of U.S. swimmers at all levels and promoting
water safety. He also recently received the Nadar Por Vida
Award for promoting diversity in swimming.
Each year, the Great Comebacks® Program recognizes people
who have faced challenges associated with intestinal diseases such
as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer and other
conditions that can lead to ostomy surgery. Four regional
award recipients are selected by the Great Comebacks® Advisory
Committee, and a national award winner is chosen from among these
finalists. In addition to Chuck Wielgus, the regional awardees for
2010 are Yvonne Austin, Grove City, OH; David Ba
‘/>”/>
