WOUND OSTOMY CONTINENCE NURSES SOCIETY

Well, the New Year is underway and the winter drags on! I hope all had a great
Holiday season and are settling in to a prosperous and healthy New Year.

Congratulations to the Greater Lehigh Valley Affiliate on a wonderful Fall Conference. Fun was had by all and there were fantastic learning opportunities offered! My thoughts are with the Garden State Affiliate as you actively plan for this fall's conference, "Surviving the Tides of Change", October 22-24, 2010 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Conference planning is quite the challenge, but your hard work allows the Region to offer an excellent learning opportunity for all! Mark your calendars - October 22-24, 2010, Atlantic City - "Surviving the Tides of Change".

My thoughts go out to Hati with the horrific challenges facing them. Please know that there are many opportunities to assist. Please check out the WOCN web site for ideas. I would also ask that if you will be serving in any capacity to let me know. The Region would like to support your efforts with thoughts, prayers and perhaps donations of out dated supplies, etc.

This year proves to be one of political turmoil and change. Keep alert! Keep informed! Get active! See the Advocacy section of the WOCN web site for updates. Proposed changes may affect us professionally and personally. I am pleased to announce that our own Melissa Stolly, PA Legislative Representative, we selected as one of the WOCN scholarship recipients to attend NIWI. Congratulations, Melissa!

Please keep abreast of current affairs and happenings through the web site. Remember, we are always looking for volunteers to support any of the committees. If you are interested in volunteering your time in any capacity, please feel free to contact me. A great big thank you goes out to all officials and committee members for your time, service and commitment to our Region!

Don't forget to check out the web site for information about the Colon Cancer Challenge in New York on March 28. The Metro New York Affiliate works hard for this cause. Their goal is to have 1000 nurses participate this year. Wouldn't it be awesome if at least 100 of those were WOCN's. I'm signed up! Join us!

I look forward to serving you for the next two years. It is an honor to be able to represent a group of this magnitude! I wish each of you success, happiness and health in this new year!

Respectfully Yours,

Cheryl Bealer BSN, RN, CWOCN

President, Northeast Region WOCNS