A Recovery Program designed to prepare your ostomy patients for surgery and then to thrive afterward.
Because you want them to know there is a wonderful life after ostomy surgery.
We get it- You hate hearing the stories of your patients who have endured debilitating disease and put off ostomy surgery because of the fear of living with an appliance…when you know there can be a great life afterward. You also know how difficult the transition can be once they leave the hospital…and have had nothing to really help them with…until now. You also worry about 30-day hospital readmissions and how you can help keep your patients from ending up back in the hospital.
Information Overload- While lots of information exists, how do your patients find it? We know you wish you could walk each of your patients through their recovery, step-by-step. But that’s simply not realistic — you don’t have the time or the resources. Who can you trust to guide them through the three journeys of every ostomy patient— the physical, mechanical, and emotional?
Your Patients Deserve more- Without support and education, most patients are confused, anxious, and at an increased risk for complications and unnecessary hospital readmissions. The non-profit Alive & Kicking Ostomy Recovery Program was developed with support and educational resources from the American College of Surgeons, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, United Ostomy Associations of America, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, the WOCN Society, NFL great Rolf Benirschke and a group of committed patients.
A good surgical outcome doesn’t guarantee success for your patients without tools to help educate, support, and guide them through their transition.
That’s why we put this program together – to ensure your patients have a GREAT life after their ostomy operation.
Contributing Partners
Meet Rolf Benirschke
He gets it. Rolf had ostomy surgery in his third season and then returned to the NFL to play seven more years. As the third most accurate placekicker in NFL history when he retired, Rolf had an illustrious 10-year career with the San Diego Chargers during which he earned numerous honors including All-Pro, playing in the Pro Bowl, becoming the 20th player inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame, and being named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, the NFL’s highest honor.
In the middle of Rolf’s third season, he underwent two major abdominal surgeries six days apart that left him with two ostomy pouches. He lost 65 pounds and spent almost six weeks in the ICU fighting for his life. When he was finally released from the hospital, he was forced to take a journey that led to deep despair as he wrestled with whether life was even worth living, back to extraordinary heights, and fulfilling self-discovery. With great support and encouragement from fans, family, and teammates, along with the discovery of an “indomitable spirit” he never knew he possessed, he returned to the NFL and played seven more seasons.
Because he could relate to the physical and emotional pain of the more than 100,000 patients who go through ostomy surgery annually in the U.S., Rolf knew he had to do something to help. So, after years of speaking to WOC nurses and encouraging countless patients along the way, he developed the Alive & Kicking Ostomy Recovery Program, to provide the educational and emotional resources he wished had been available to him, all in one place, that delivered the right information at the right time.
The Guided Recovery Program
Rolf has a plan for each patient, to guide them from survival to living functionally, to ultimately getting their life back and thriving.
Watch
We’ve taken the best medical/clinical information out there, added Rolf’s personal experience, along with the wisdom from hundreds of other patients, and put it all in an easy to follow format so you can find exactly what you need to know when you need to know it.
Respond
Like everything in life, the more effort you put in, the greater your chance to succeed. We’ll offer you specific ways to apply the knowledge, plus work through meaningful exercises and activities.
Engage
Share your experiences with other patients. Tell your story. Mentor others and make a difference in someone else’s life.
We’ve made all of this possible through an accessible, easy-to-use virtual program.
"The Alive & Kicking program changed everything for me. Seriously, I felt completely alone, afraid, and unsure how I was going to live with my ostomy. This program came at just the right time and walked me through everything. Now, not only am I doing great, but I also love being a part of this community.”
- Justin from Philadelphia
What's Inside?
Patient Education
Provides peace of mind through detailed information about ostomy surgery and the road to recovery including expectations, outcomes, FAQ’s, and valuable resources.
Resources
Having 24/7 virtual access to our library of resources gives you the opportunity to find the answers to your questions when you need them, and keeps you from feeling overwhelmed.
Personal Coach
Rolf serves as your personal coach, sharing inspirational messages and tips to help you navigate common ostomy-related issues.
Mental Health Support
Celebrate milestones and take advantage of mental health practices like mindfulness and journaling, while receiving valuable encouragement and insights from fellow patients.
Be a Part of a Community
Our community of patients and medical professionals is special. You’ll have the opportunity to share all your joys and struggles with people who want you to succeed.
Relevant Content
Important information is provided on everything from the different types of pouches, accessories, problem-solving, diet, support groups, and more.
Join Our Launch Team
Step 1: Share the program.
Hand them the printout for the program and share why it would be helpful for their recovery.
Step 2: Follow-up.
Give them a call to ensure they’ve taken the opportunity to signup for the program.
Step 3: Stay Connected.
Receive messages from your patients.
