About The Ostomy Foundation
The Ostomy Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering ostomates, caregivers, families, clinicians, and communities across the United States.
We provide trusted information, human connection, and meaningful resources that help individuals navigate life with an ostomy with confidence and dignity.
Our Mission
We educate, support, and advocate to reduce stigma, expand access to care, and ensure no one faces the challenges of an ostomy alone.
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Through national outreach, educational programming, and clinically informed guidance, we bridge the gap between diagnosis and understanding, isolation and community, and fear and confidence.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every ostomate lives fully, confidently, and without stigma — regardless of geography, income, background, or circumstance.
What Sets Us Apart
We are more than a support network — we are a national resource.
By combining lived experience with expert-backed guidance, we deliver education, advocacy, emergency assistance, and community connection that transforms how individuals and families live, learn, and thrive.
Unlike localized groups or product-driven organizations, our approach is rooted in both compassion and credibility, ensuring support is accessible, informed, and impactful nationwide.
A trusted national nonprofit and central resource for ostomy education, support, and advocacy across the United States.
Meet The Team
Bob Reiling
Founder, Executive Director
Bob Reiling is the Founder of the Ostomy Foundation and a passionate advocate for the ostomy community. As an ostomate himself, Bob brings lived experience, resilience, and deep empathy to the organization’s mission.
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His leadership has shaped the Foundation into a trusted national resource, helping individuals and families navigate life with confidence, dignity, and support.
Dan Keeler
Chief Operating Officer
Dan Keeler brings global financial expertise and a strong entrepreneurial background to the Foundation.
His experience in building and repositioning successful businesses supports the organization’s long-term growth, sustainability, and national impact.
Cynthia Granata
Associate Director
Cynthia Granata brings extensive experience in customer service, community engagement, and event planning to the Ostomy Foundation. Her work plays a key role in expanding outreach efforts, strengthening relationships, and enhancing the Foundation’s ability to serve individuals and families nationwide.
Ariel Flores
Director of Outreach & Support
Ariel Flores supports the Foundation’s mission through hands-on work with the support line and content development. With a thoughtful and compassionate approach, Ariel helps create resources that educate, guide, and empower the ostomy community.
Christine Kijek
RN, BSN, WON
Clinical Director / Ostomy Nurse
Christine Kijek serves as the Foundation’s clinical lead, offering trusted expertise and compassionate guidance. A certified Wound Ostomy Nurse with over 20 years of experience, she brings both professional insight and personal perspective as an ostomate, ensuring the Foundation’s resources are rooted in real-world, patient-centered care.
Kristin Grassler
Director
Kristin Grassler contributes in leadership and advisory capacities, supporting strategic initiatives and organizational development. Her involvement helps strengthen the Foundation’s ability to grow its programs and expand its reach.
Dr. John R. Patrick
Strategic Advisor
Dr. John R. Patrick serves as a Strategic Advisor to the Ostomy Foundation, bringing extensive experience in technology, healthcare, and innovation.
A former Vice President for Internet Technology at IBM, he is a recognized internet pioneer, global speaker, and published author. With a multidisciplinary background spanning engineering, law, management, and healthcare administration, Dr. Patrick provides strategic insight to support the Foundation’s national growth and impact.
David Albanese, Esq.
Director & Legal Consultant / Attorney, Trevenen & Coploff, LLC
David Albanese brings legal insight and counsel to the Ostomy Foundation, supporting the organization's governance and compliance needs. His background as an attorney helps ensure the Foundation operates on solid footing as it continues to evolve and grow.