I have had an ostomy (in my case an ileostomy) since I was 22. The surgery in 1987 was necessary due to severe, out of control,  inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). An ostomy gave me my life back – the pain was gone, I got healthier and resumed all of the activities I did before I was ill.  34 years later I am grateful for the life-saving surgery and the opportunities it has afforded me.

On October 2, 2021 across Canada, people living with an ostomy, their friends and family will walk, run, roll, slide, hop, dance, sashay, prance, bike, jump, strut, twirl, skip, chill, play cards, or whatever to raise funds and awareness for Ostomy Canada. Remember anything you do needs to be done with public health measures in mind.This amazing virtual event across Canada will raise much needed funds to help us improve the quality of life for people living with an ostomy. Help us get our voices heard!