Story
Way back in 2015, less than two months after finishing my engineering degree, I had surgery to address severe ulcerative colitis and received a permanent ileostomy.
That surgery was - and still is - the scariest thing that I've ever faced. I had no idea what to expect or what my quality of life would be, and was worried about falling behind my peers and losing the strong support network I had built through university.
I soon realized that this surgery wasn't the end of something, but the beginning of getting my life back after this battle with chronic illness. That might sound a bit cliche, but it's true. Within weeks of having this life-saving surgery, I was feeling better than I had in years.
After adjusting to life with an ileostomy, I had the opportunity to connect with Ostomy Halifax, a volunteer-led support group for people who have had this surgery or other similar ones. This volunteer work is very important to me and in 2022 I had the privilege of being elected President of the organization and supporting an amazing group of volunteers in fulfilling a mission of helping Nova Scotians with ostomies to live life to the fullest through support, education, collaboration, and advocacy.
Ostomy Halifax is part of a network of support groups affiliated with Ostomy Canada, and their programming, tools, and resources are essential to help groups across Canada ensure that everyone have access to the support they need.
Thank you for helping Ostomy Canada - and through them Ostomy Halifax and friends & colleagues in every group across the country - continue this amazing work!
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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!
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Ostomy Halifax Society is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to all people with an ostomy and their families, helping them to live life to the fullest through support, education, collaboration and advocacy