73-Year-Old Basketball Player Shares Life After Colon Surgery and Ostomy

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Sep 13, 2025 11:37 am

A great story about a college basketball player who had colon surgery and now lives with an ostomy bag. Instead of giving up on sports, he's back on the court and doing what he loves. He talks openly about how the ostomy has changed his life, but also how it hasn't stopped him from chasing his goals.

It's always encouraging to see people continue their passions after surgery, especially in something as demanding as basketball. I thought this might be a good read for anyone who enjoys sports or just needs a bit of inspiration.

https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/cancer-articles/ostomy-bag-after-colon-surgery-for-basketball-player

Axl
Sep 13, 2025 11:43 am

Go Mel, you're a rockstar.

Remdog
Sep 13, 2025 11:47 am

Great story of perseverance!

Reminds me of NFL kicker Ralph Benirschke, who played with a colostomy bag for several seasons! ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™

Bill

I’d like to write a nice review
that might express something quite new.
Then I read previous points of view,
which said the things I wanted to.
I would endorse the things I’ve read
about what other folks have said,
for these are the benefits and things
that joining a site like this can bring.
When I was an initiate, (novice)
it seemed to be appropriate
to express myself in rhyme
as this is how I spend my time.
When contemplating what to write
with contributing to this site,
it seemed to me, my ostomy
could be expressed in poetry.
Thus, when I had something to say,
a rhyme, for me seemed the best way,
for rhymes can often capture stuff
that prose don’t capture quite enough.
I do appreciate the way,
this site lets people have their say
in whatever mode they will
about the things that make them ill.
There are not many forums for
discussing stuff most folks abhor.
So, this site fulfils a small niche,
where angst and problems can unleash.
Where raw emotions can decant,
so, folks feel free to have a rant,
and we can all associate
is something I appreciate.
                           B. Withers 2021

Jayne
Sep 13, 2025 12:01 pm

Thank you for posting this .........................

Inspiration for us all

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Jayyne ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Swimmer
Sep 28, 2025 4:53 pm

Hello fellow hoop player. I played hoop from 5 to 45 years old. Great sport. When I was in high school in Cambridge, MA, every team that made the tournament played at the Boston Garden, so I was fortunate enough to play at the Garden many times over 3 years. I played racquetball for 25 years, and now I swim, bike, and kayak. Keep moving, my man! Enjoy! Swimmer

 

My Ostomy Journey: Kimberly | Hollister

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