My life changed forever in 1987 when I underwent life saving surgery that left me with an ileostomy. As a 22 year old with another year of school to get my engineering degree, I was unsure where my new reality left me. I soon realized it left me alive with the promise of a rich and fulfilling future! Ostomy Halifax offered me the support I needed to understand life was not over - it was just beginning. The truth was I, like so many others living with ostomies, had been given the opportunity to live life to the fullest! For me it is important to help Ostomy Canada, Canada's network leader for local support groups and organizations like Ostomy Halifax, so everyone living with an ostomy has access to the tools and support they need. -- Bill

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Ostomy Canada is gearing up for its 13th Step Up for Ostomy Campaign this year! Come join us on October 4, 2025, in cities, towns, parks, trails, and venues across Canada and show your support for those living with an ostomy, their friends and family. On that day we will walk, run, bike, hike, or whatever you like. Let’s all Step Up for Ostomy, to raise awareness, eliminate stigma and raise funds to help enhance Ostomy Canada Programs!