Tony Bell

Permanent Colostomy: Colon Defects

Back when Tony Bell was a rodeo professional, his biggest challenge wasn’t in the ring, but outside. As strange as that sounds, understand that Tony was born with a defect of his colon and as a result he had a permanent colostomy when he was 9. Today, the farm boy from Harveyville, KS is just as active – if not more – than any other 28-year-old. He is in a barbershop quartet, skydives, and fishes catfish with his bare hands, while working on his teaching degree. As a result of his courage and determination despite his physical problem, Tony won the 2009 Great Comebacks Award. Tony Bell joins the show to share his story.

Born with a defect of his colon, Tony Bell received an ostomy immediately after birth. A few years later, the ostomy was reversed, but, after years of struggling with incontinence, 9-year-old Tony received a permanent colostomy. All of a sudden, this inactive, withdrawn boy who was scared to leave his home was ready to saddle up and grab life by the horns.

Today, Tony, 28, lives in Harveyville, KS, with his wife Pam and 6-year-old stepdaughter Haiden. He works on the family farm and is only a few credits shy of his special education teaching degree. Although Tony didn’t end up a country music star, he channels his passion and performs in a barbershop quartet with his dad. An outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys skydiving and noodling (fishing for catfish with your bare hands!). “I want to share with the world my story of success so that others with life-changing conditions know that they are not alone,” said Tony. “No matter what comes your way, always reach for the stars and grasp your dreams – they are only a bull ride away.”

Dr. Derrick DeSilva

3 / 11 / 2010