Raising Scholarship Funds, One Mile At a Time

Imagine a grueling, 3,100-mile bicycle tour. Daily treks – the shortest 39 miles, the longest a staggering 111 – cutting horizontally across numerous southern states. Four days in California. Six in Arizona. Four in New Mexico. A total of 17 to get through Texas. Five for Louisiana. And the trek doesn’t stop until it crosses the country.

You would expect youthful athletes in their mid-20s and 30s participate in this type of journey. So you may be surprised to observe one of the cyclists energetically pedaling across the country: 72-year-old Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society member Dr. Katherine Jeter. Though Dr. Jeter began cycling just three years ago, in this sport she has found an ideal way to channel her boundless energy, and raise awareness about her passion for wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) nursing.

As a nursing specialty, WOC care requires nurses receive certification before treating patients with non-healing wounds, colostomies and related body-altering conditions, and bowel and bladder disorders. And the aging American population presents an unfortunate double-edged sword: WOC nurses are retiring as the number of patients requiring this type of care increases.

Recognizing the looming crisis, Dr. Jeter is working with the WOCN Society Foundation to raise $200,000 for WOC nursing scholarships through a WomanTours excursion from March 4 through April 29, 2011.

At various stops throughout the tour, Dr. Jeter will be participating in small events – including kick-off and closing programs. She will be available before, during and after the tour for interviews, as she continues to spread the message about the important role WOC nurses play in our healthcare system, and work toward her fundraising goal. 

Check back here frequently for video, photo and other updates throughout the tour!