When diagnosed with ulcerative colitis her freshman year in college, Wendy Lueder was no stranger to ostomy surgery. As a child in the 1950's she watched her grandfather, a general surgeon, wear a black rubber pouch on his stomach that he manufactured from inner tubes in his basement. Wendy's grandfather had self-diagnosed his need for colon removal in the 1930's and traveled to Vienna, Austria for surgery. He then remained in Vienna for three years to recuperate and learn the surgery himself, before returning to the U.S.
During Wendy's freshman year in college, pain, bleeding, cramping, fever, and weakness to the point of barely being able to walk were part of her daily life. Each semester, weeks were lost to hospitalizations
and Wendy's weight dropped to 89 pounds. However, with class notes from friends, paid tutors and even her mom, Wendy graduated in five years with a degree in philosophy.
After resisting surgery for many years due to fear that it would be the end of her life as a desirable single woman, Wendy elected to have an ostomy surgery. Ironically, her only regret now is that she waited so
long. She recalls, "When I had my surgery, the presence of my surgical appliance was all I could think about every day. It was like loud music. Gradually, I got used to it and now its elevator music, a non-issue that I only become aware of when it's time to help another."
After her surgery, Wendy became the newsletter editor and eventually the President of her local chapter of the United Ostomy Associations of America. She also met the love of her life at age 34, her sweetheart
Rennold - the two have been married for 27 years. Wanting to do a more professional job for her chapter's newsletter and create a Web site, Wendy returned to college at the age of 58 to earn a second degree in graphic design. She graduated in 2005 with highest honors and won the Pinnacle award for the most service hours performed of anyone in her class.
Today, Wendy and her husband reside in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She credits her sister Pam as being her greatest encouragement. Pam, who has undergone the same surgery as Wendy, took off with her husband Andy and two children on a seven year voyage around the world in a forty foot sailboat, with no running water, except with a foot pump, and no hot water. Wendy learned that most all limitations we put on ourselves are from our attitudes, not from circumstances.
Wendy Lueder envisions improved quality of life for ostomates. Wendy is a person of many talents. Her latest accomplishment was earning a degree in Graphic Design Technology. She selected graphic design as a compliment to the work she does with the Broward Ostomy Association. She has utilized her skills through preparation of power point, editing the Broward Beacon and with our award certificate.
Wendy is not lacking in culinary skills either. All speakers are treated to a tasty treat of brownies from Wendy’s personal bakery.
She acknowledges all of the WOCNs in attendance at the meeting. Every year she selects a memorable token of appreciation for the WOCNs. One notable display of art and poetry was the gift of; “The Bridge Builder”, a reminder of un-selfish contribution to humanity.
She volunteers her service to the Broward ostomy association where she has served as President and editor of the Broward Beacon, the Broward ostomy association newsletter. Wendy’s participation is a team effort because she includes her lovely husband Ren, who serves as our computer technology person for the meetings. Wendy’s support for the ostomates does not end on Sunday when the BOA meeting ends. She applies her artistic skills for the support of the members. This was affectionately displayed with her photograph of one the member’s mural on the wall on Sistrunk in Fort Lauderdale. BOA is considered one of the strongest and well organized local ostomy support groups by the United Ostomy Association of America.
In 2007 Wendy’s efforts were rewarded when she was selected, and won, the prestigious Great Comebacks South Region Award. This award is given to a person with an ostomy whose personal life and contribution to their communities serve as an inspiration to others.
Wendy is honored today because of her relentless work in improving the lives of new ostomy patients at Broward Health and in the community. Thanks to Wendy for a job well done.
During Wendy's freshman year in college, pain, bleeding, cramping, fever, and weakness to the point of barely being able to walk were part of her daily life. Each semester, weeks were lost to hospitalizations
and Wendy's weight dropped to 89 pounds. However, with class notes from friends, paid tutors and even her mom, Wendy graduated in five years with a degree in philosophy.
After resisting surgery for many years due to fear that it would be the end of her life as a desirable single woman, Wendy elected to have an ostomy surgery. Ironically, her only regret now is that she waited so
long. She recalls, "When I had my surgery, the presence of my surgical appliance was all I could think about every day. It was like loud music. Gradually, I got used to it and now its elevator music, a non-issue that I only become aware of when it's time to help another."
After her surgery, Wendy became the newsletter editor and eventually the President of her local chapter of the United Ostomy Associations of America. She also met the love of her life at age 34, her sweetheart
Rennold - the two have been married for 27 years. Wanting to do a more professional job for her chapter's newsletter and create a Web site, Wendy returned to college at the age of 58 to earn a second degree in graphic design. She graduated in 2005 with highest honors and won the Pinnacle award for the most service hours performed of anyone in her class.
Today, Wendy and her husband reside in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She credits her sister Pam as being her greatest encouragement. Pam, who has undergone the same surgery as Wendy, took off with her husband Andy and two children on a seven year voyage around the world in a forty foot sailboat, with no running water, except with a foot pump, and no hot water. Wendy learned that most all limitations we put on ourselves are from our attitudes, not from circumstances.
Wendy Lueder envisions improved quality of life for ostomates. Wendy is a person of many talents. Her latest accomplishment was earning a degree in Graphic Design Technology. She selected graphic design as a compliment to the work she does with the Broward Ostomy Association. She has utilized her skills through preparation of power point, editing the Broward Beacon and with our award certificate.
Wendy is not lacking in culinary skills either. All speakers are treated to a tasty treat of brownies from Wendy’s personal bakery.
She acknowledges all of the WOCNs in attendance at the meeting. Every year she selects a memorable token of appreciation for the WOCNs. One notable display of art and poetry was the gift of; “The Bridge Builder”, a reminder of un-selfish contribution to humanity.
She volunteers her service to the Broward ostomy association where she has served as President and editor of the Broward Beacon, the Broward ostomy association newsletter. Wendy’s participation is a team effort because she includes her lovely husband Ren, who serves as our computer technology person for the meetings. Wendy’s support for the ostomates does not end on Sunday when the BOA meeting ends. She applies her artistic skills for the support of the members. This was affectionately displayed with her photograph of one the member’s mural on the wall on Sistrunk in Fort Lauderdale. BOA is considered one of the strongest and well organized local ostomy support groups by the United Ostomy Association of America.
In 2007 Wendy’s efforts were rewarded when she was selected, and won, the prestigious Great Comebacks South Region Award. This award is given to a person with an ostomy whose personal life and contribution to their communities serve as an inspiration to others.
Wendy is honored today because of her relentless work in improving the lives of new ostomy patients at Broward Health and in the community. Thanks to Wendy for a job well done.
