Ostomies are life saving procedures for diseases of the urinary and/or digestive tract. Many chronic medical conditions can lead to the requirement for an ostomy. In fact, the prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases is on the rise in Canada; and up to 10% of patients with Chron's Disease and 50% with ulcerative colitis will require a permanent ostomy as their disease progresses. (Windsor et al., 2023; Crohn's and Colitis Canada, 2023).

As someone with a related chronic bowel illness, that of celiac disease, I know the value of peer guidance and support in navigating the challenges that come with a new (and often difficult) diagnosis. Services provided by Ostomy Canada and their Chapters and Peer Support Groups are absolutely invaluable to ostomates and their families.

Please join me as I raise funds alongside Ostomy Halifax Society, to support Ostomy Canada and its mission! In Canada, there are over 135,000 individuals with ostomies. The Step Up for Ostomy campaign will support their outreach, education, advocacy and program development for those affected by an ostomy.