CARES Scholarship - United Ostomy Associations of America

CONFERENCE ATTENDEE REIMBURSEMENT EXPENSES SCHOLARSHIP (C.A.R.E.S.)

Five $600.00 Scholarships Available This Year!

UOAA created the C.A.R.E.S. program to address the needs of the new ostomate and/or first-time UOAA National Conference attendee, especially by facilitating the “emotional healing” that is necessary for someone who has recently had surgery. Attending a National Conference is one of the best ways to learn and see firsthand that an ostomy does not change one’s ability to live life to the fullest.

There are Five (5) Scholarships available this year. Each recipient will be reimbursed $600 of their travel expenses to attend UOAA’s 9th National Conference. They will also receive one complimentary individual registration to attend. The financial assistance can only be used towards the reimbursement of travel and lodging incurred by the scholarship recipient.

Who Can Apply?

The C.A.R.E.S. program is available to new ostomates or first-time attendees who are members of a UOAA Affiliated Support Group or a UOAA National Member. Please click below to review the Program, Applicant and Selection Criteria to see if you qualify to apply for a Scholarship.

OVERVIEW/CRITERIA

How to Apply

If you have met the criteria, complete and submit your application (see below). Please note, if you are a member of an ASG, your ASG Leader will also need to endorse and sign the application. Completed applications can be emailed to conference@ostomy.org or mailed to UOAA, PO Box 2293, Biddeford, ME 04005. All applications must be received and/or postmarked by Friday, April 18, 2025.

APPLICATION

Info for ASG Leaders

If you are an ASG Leader, please download and review the Letter below if you would like to endorse a member of your support group who qualifies for this Scholarship.

ASG LEADERS PACKET

Join an ASG or become a UOAA National Member

If you would like to join a UOAA Affiliated Support Group or become a UOAA National Member to qualify to apply for the Scholarship, please click below.

UOAA NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP FIND A SUPPORT GROUP

Questions? Please email conference@ostomy.org or call 1-800-826-0826. Learn more about the 2025 UOAA National Conference August 14-16 2025 in Orlando, Florida.

Contact Us

United Ostomy Associations of America
P.O. Box 2293
Biddeford, ME 04005-2293

Virtual Ostomy Clinic

Contact UOAA

Donate Your Supplies

Call us toll-free at: 1-800-826-0826.
Our Information Line hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 3pm EST. If you have an emergency, please dial 911 or contact your local medical professional.

Please understand that UOAA is a private, nonprofit, advocacy and informational organization. We are not a medical facility and we do not have medical or legal professionals on staff. Therefore, UOAA does not provide Medical, Mental Health, Insurance or Legal Advice. Visit UOAA Virtual Ostomy Clinic provided by The Wound Company for non-emergency, virtual ostomy support.