The Medicine Hat Peer Support Group was formed in December 2023 to provide support for the local "ostomates" community.

An awareness event is to be held at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital with support from the MH Health Foundation. A charity BBQ is happening at Wellwise by Shoppers to show your support for those living with an ostomy, their friends and family. On that day we will meet, inform and more!

Let’s all Step Up for Ostomy, to raise awareness, eliminate stigma and raise funds to help enhance Ostomy Canada Programs!

I was diagnosed with severe Crohn's disease in 1980 and no drug or treatment had helped by 1989, so surgery was the only option left. I received a colostomy and a total proctectomy in February, 1989. It saved my life! I was able to carry on with a mostly normal life until 1999 when the Crohn's flared again. Another surgery was needed. It went horribly wrong and I ended up with peritonitis and sepsis. It took 18 months to recover. I nearly lost my life on several occasions, but I survived! I ended up with an ileostomy that has given me 25 more years of life so far!

I have adjusted to my ostomy, but some of my peers are struggling with their new ostomies. That is why I ask for a donation, however small, to help them navigate the steep learning curve that I did 35 years ago.