Meet Eric

Eric was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis 24 years ago which made him a pro at dealing with the inconveniences and health impact. Fortunately, being someone who was under constant monitoring, his cancer was found early. The challenge was the location being in the wall of his rectum. The surgeon suggested his best success would be to remove the current cancer and potential reoccurrence through a total proctocolectomy with an ileostomy. What surprised Eric was that if he knew that some of his quality of life would be better post-surgery, he may have electively done the surgery years ago.

Eric found Stealth Belt on his own search for his surfing life and/or impact of his surgery. At first he was very fearful of losing his ability to enjoy all the activities he partakes in. Once he found Stealth Belt he was reassured that he had a plan to continue to surf. He tends to surf a couple days a week. It would be unfair to say that he is not aware of having a stoma to protect, but he surfs at a pretty high level and there is zero impact on his ability to perform.

Eric’s new tips for a new ostomate are as follows:
● Step 1: Buy 2 Stealth Belts (1 Pro, 1 Neoprene)
● Step 2: Live your life like you are without a stoma
● Tip: You can't stash extra supplies in enough places. Office at work, wife's car, gym bag, etc. Having a go bag makes you confident.

Interests/ Involvement

• Surfing
• Playing/Coaching Soccer
• Mountain Biking
• Yoga
• Running-Triathlons