Ostomy Canada Society is excited to introduce a new e-news platform to supplement the quarterly Connects newsletter. This move highlights the Society’s dedication to fostering a united community with updates, articles, and stories. The e-news seeks to enhance member experiences and shape future communications collaboratively by encouraging involvement and feedback. Join us on this journey of empowerment and connection – your participation will truly impact individuals with ostomies.
Greetings Ostomy Canada Supporters
I hope this message finds you well and thriving. As the Executive Director of Ostomy Canada Society, I am thrilled to announce the launch of our new e-news, a supplement to our quarterly Connects newsletter. This initiative is aimed at enhancing our communication channels with you, our valued supporters, between the intervals of our regular publications.
Our commitment to fostering a strong and supportive community lies at the heart of everything we do at Ostomy Canada Society. We recognize the importance of keeping you informed about the latest developments, resources, and events within the ostomy community. With this in mind, our new e-news will serve as a platform to provide you with timely updates, educational content, inspiring stories, and opportunities for engagement.
Through this e-news, we aspire to strengthen our connection with you and ensure that you feel empowered, supported, and informed on your journey. Whether you’re along-standing member of our community or new to the Ostomy Canada family, we believe that this initiative will further enrich your experience and enable us to better serve your needs.
Feel free to explore our e-news and take advantage of the interactive features by clicking on the articles that interest you the most. We hope you enjoy your reading experience! Your feedback and suggestions are invaluable to us as we strive to continually improve and tailor our communications to meet your needs and preferences.
Thank you for your unwavering support of Ostomy Canada Society. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals living with ostomies across our nation.
Warm regards,
Dana Ypma
Executive Director
Ostomy Canada Society
Ostomy Care Tips
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Explore comprehensive solutions for ostomy odour control, such as odour-eliminator drops, essential oils like lavender for natural deodorization, and dietary tips. Tackle the challenge with confidence.
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Preventing parastomal hernias post-ostomy surgery is crucial. Learn about patient education, strengthening exercises, and hernia support products to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
Ostomy Canada Magazine – Summer 2024 Teaser!
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Hannah Martin-Spencer Competes in the Miss Calgary 2024 Pageant
“Why exactly did I decide to compete? The simple answer is that I wanted to represent the ostomy community, raise awareness, and show the younger generation that beauty is not just about the ‘perfect body’. Beyond that, I also wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and show that I am capable of showing myself and everyone else my authentic self. If you told me when I first had surgery that three years later, I would walk across a stage, in front of a crowd of strangers, in a blue bikini, showing my ostomy, I would not have believed you, but I did it, and my younger me is so proud of myself.”
– Hannah Martin-Spencer, Ostomy Canada Marketing Volunteer
Learn more in the upcoming Ostomy Canada Magazine – become an Ostomy Supporter!
Get Involved With Ostomy Canada
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Ostomy Canada is currently looking for volunteers for the following committees:
Board Members – Do you have a background in Finance, Legal, Governance, or Strategy? Join our board!
Newsletter Editor – Do you possess editing abilities, organization skills, and proficiency in both English and French? Join our Marketing Team!
Featured Recipe: Raspberry Lemon Cookies
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Nadia Maffucci Di Rienzo, who is an ambassador for Ostomy Canada, is sharing her recipe for moist, buttery cookies. These cookies have a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness due to the addition of raspberry and lemon. Moreover, this recipe is free of gluten, dairy, and egg, making it a delicious treat for everyone, even those with dietary restrictions.
Alex MacInnis: Squamish 50/50
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Alex MacInnis embodies unwavering determination and inspires many with his resilience in the face of adversity. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 12, he lost his large intestine in 2018. Rather than letting circumstances control him, he’s marking five years with an ostomy by tackling the challenging Squamish 50/50 trail race series. This race once seemed impossible during his darkest days, but now he’s pushing boundaries by conquering ultramarathons. Running in support of Ostomy Canada Society, Alex’s journey symbolizes hope for a vibrant life post-surgery. Join him as he showcases the strength of the human spirit and redefines living with an ostomy.
- Learn more about Alex’s latest training update and Instagram reel on our blog
- Donate to the campaign and help Alex raise $50,000 for Ostomy Canada!
Upcoming Events
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Join our upcoming webinar on April 17 where we delve into the art of mastering ostomy care. Guest speaker Laurence Quintin, NSWOC, will share some invaluable tips and clever techniques to confidently navigate daily challenges. Whether you’re a newcomer to ostomy care or seeking advanced strategies, this session promises practical insights for a smoother journey. Don’t miss out on empowering yourself to live life to the fullest with your ostomy!
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The Ostomy Canada Youth Camp offers a unique and supportive environment for children aged 9-18 with ostomies or special needs, such as internal pouches and Crohn’s disease. Scheduled for July 7-12 at Easter Seals Camp Horizon in Alberta, the camp features professional supervision and a mix of educational and fun activities to promote self-esteem, independence, and coping skills. Registration and financial aid are available through Ostomy Canada Society.
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Get ready to Step Up For Ostomy! This is our annual event that supports Canadians with an ostomy, which is organized to raise funds and awareness for Ostomy Canada Society. Our national planning committee will provide information on fundraising, event planning, and how to get involved soon. We aim to make this our biggest event yet and reach our goal of $100,000. Please mark your calendars for the next Ostomy Awareness Day on October 5, 2024!
Ostomy Canada Awards
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Ostomy Canada Awards and Nomination deadlines for 2024 are coming up soon. Our awards include:
- Unsung Hero Award– Apply by April 15 to be featured in the May Connects Newsletter
- Post Secondary Award ($1000 x 1) – Apply by June 1
- NSWOC Recognition Award– Apply by June 1
- Maple Leaf Award– Apply by June 1
Find Support, Get Connected!
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You are not alone! Did you know that Ostomy Canada has over 50 affiliated Chapters and Peer Support Groups?
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Speak to a Certified Ostomy Visitor for personal support for your ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy, j-pouch or reversal.
Ostomy Canada YouTube Channel Updates
Raimo Strangis, once an aspiring Toronto musician grappling with Ulcerative Colitis, recounts his challenging yet transformative experience in “With Little Means,” which inspired the creation of the short film “Stuck.” Sponsored by Ostomy Canada, “Stuck” aims to increase ostomy awareness. Strangis’s intervening years included a life-changing ostomy surgery and a resurgence that saw him take on various successful roles, from author to chef to father. Although he regrets abandoning his music career, Strangis seeks to inspire those with similar struggles through this film, conveying how an ostomy can provide another opportunity to live life to the fullest. Actor-filmmaker Michael Pillarella brings Rai’s story to life on screen with a dedicated Toronto crew. Anticipation builds for its 2024 film festival debut.
Watch a behind-the-scenes look at Stuck with Rai Strangis on YouTube
If you are someone who is experiencing a parastomal hernia or prolapse, you might find the Ostomy Canada webinar from February 2024 helpful. The webinar featured Rose Raizman, NSWOC, who is a member of our Medical Lifestyle Advisory Committee. The video recording of the webinar covers a range of topics related to hernia and prolapse education and management.
Watch our Ostomy Hernia and Prolapse video on YouTube
We Would Love Your Feedback!
Take part in our April 2024 e-news survey and get a chance to win a $25 gift card. This contest is only valid for Canadian residents. The winner will be announced in the May Connects Newsletter by Ostomy Canada. We value your feedback, so let us know how we did!
Source
The April 2024 eNews is brought to you by the Ostomy Canada Marketing Team.
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