Memories of Lana Larkins
from Young Ostomates United
04/05/1981 - 10/06/2012
It was with shock & disbelief that YOU heard of the sudden & unexpected passing of Lana in Brisbane on June 10th. Lana had been such an integral part of YOU prior to moving to live & work in Brisbane in 2007. Lana was President of YOU in 2004 & 2005, this was a particularly difficult time for a group such as YOU, it was a time of transition from traditional meetings to the use of social media, internet etc. Lana represented Ostomy Australia @ world congresses in Canada in 2001 & Portugal in 2003; she helped spread the YOU word, taking appropriate literature with her.
My memories of Lana go back many years particularly to early 1998 when with Anna Epifanio we took 4 young ostomates to Philip Island, Victoria for a weekend. The aim was to have helped resolve some of the many issues facing children & teenagers with an ostomy & of course to have fun. Lana was never one to beat about the bush, when one of the younger ones asked how to manage when out socially with a leaking bag? Lana said "You just manage & get over it, the next time is easier."
The article that Lana wrote for 'Just for YOU' in 2003 & was reprinted for Lana's Memorial Service on 25th June says it all; she helped so many other young ostomates with her attitude to life no matter how difficult.
Our hearts go out to Scott (Lana's partner), her parents Sue & Ian & siblings Noni, Shane & Dale not forgetting all her extended family & friends.
Thank you Lana for being part of YOU
Lilian Leonard - Founder of YOU Inc in 1989 and present Committee member.
Lana with Lilian at World Ostomy Day event in 2005.