IU Swimmer Sara Delay Receives Ina Brudnick Comeback Award

BLOOMINGTON, Indiana, January 9. INDIANA University sophomore swimmer Sara Delay was recently named the West Region recipient of the Ina BrudnickAward.

Given in memory of pioneering stoma care nurse Ina Brudnick, four deserving students — also from the East, South, Central and West regions — are awarded $1,000 prizes during the fall. Students must be between the ages of 17 and 24, intend to pursue a higher education, and have undergone ostomy surgery and/or have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

“Sara Delay continues to amaze our coaches and team,” said head coach Ray Looze. “She is the epitome of perseverance. Very few have had to overcome so much. We cannot wait to participate in the remainder of her journey.”

After her freshman season in 2010-11, Delay was set to compete at the U.S. Open in Palo Alto, Calif. in August of2011 when she fell ill. A 19-day hospital stay at Stanford University Hospital followed, where Delay was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. By November of that year medications were not working to control her condition and the decision was made to have surgery.

After taking a redshirt season in 2011-12 to recover, Delay is back in the pool for the Hoosiers this season helping to lead the way in the sprint freestyle events.

The Great Comebacks Program began in 1984 under the leadership of Rolf Benirschke, with support from ConvaTec. It was designed to raise awareness of quality of life issues for people living with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer or other diseases that can lead to ostomy surgery. Today the Great Comebacks community has spread far beyond its original borders, raising awareness around the globe through inspirational individuals who have chosen to share their stories and offer hope to others facing these diseases and transitioning to life after surgery.

For more information on the Great Comebacks Awards, visit www.GreatComebacks.com.

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

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