Welcome to the Summer 2024 edition of Ostomy Canada Connects E-News! We are excited to share the latest updates and valuable insights specifically designed for our ostomy community. In this issue, you’ll discover a featured article from Ostomy Canada Magazine, essential tips for ostomy care, information about upcoming local events, and much more. Whether you’re looking for advice, support, or opportunities to get involved, our E-News is here to keep you informed and connected. Thank you for being an integral part of our vibrant community!
Executive Director’s Message
Meet our new Executive Director, Bryan Ezako
We welcome Bryan Ezako as the new Executive Director of Ostomy Canada. With over 20 years of national management experience in the non-profit sector and 15 years in healthcare leadership, he is dedicated to providing dignity and quality care for individuals with ostomy. Read more…
Ostomy Canada Magazine Free Article
Staying Hydrated With An Ostomy
Discover essential strategies for effective high-output ostomy management! Hydration expert Dr. Maitreyi Raman shares valuable insights on maintaining hydration, balancing electrolytes, and minimizing output for a healthier, more vibrant life.
Start your journey to optimal hydration with this complimentary featured article from the Ostomy Canada Summer 2024 Magazine, set to be released in late September.
Ostomy Care Tips
Discover essential information about UTIs in individuals with urostomies, including symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies to support optimal urinary health.
Discover strategies for sustaining emotional well-being post-ostomy surgery, including mindfulness, exercise, a healthy lifestyle, and therapy. Find resources and support groups to aid in your recovery.
Ostomy Canada Ambassadors
Meet Our New Ostomy Ambassador, Stalen!
Stalen is a courageous young boy with autism and health challenges who has overcome numerous obstacles with remarkable bravery and positivity following his ileostomy surgery. His heartwarming journey highlights his resilience and inspiring achievements.
STUCK Update
Hollywood Premiere of “STUCK” Shines a Spotlight on Ostomy Awareness
Ostomy Canada is thrilled to announce the triumphant Hollywood premiere of STUCK at the Dances With Films Festival on June 23! This compelling short film on ostomy awareness captivated audiences, earned critical acclaim, and ignited meaningful discussions. Explore the highlights and the promising journey ahead.
Meet Our New Volunteer
Colleen Ferguson, Volunteer Events Coordinator
A heartfelt welcome to our new volunteer Events Coordinator, Colleen Ferguson! Colleen will be responsible for helping track events for our Chapters and Peer Support Groups across Canada, as seen in the expanding Upcoming Events section of our website. We are thrilled to have her join our team.
Get Involved With Ostomy Canada
Volunteer Newsletter Editor Needed!
Join Ostomy Canada Society as a volunteer Newsletter Editor! It’s a fun, creative role where you’ll curate content for our monthly Ostomy Canada Connects E-News. You can work from home, choose your hours, and gain valuable content creation experience. If you have strong communication skills and are interested in our mission, we’d love to meet you! Just be ready to commit 3-6 hours per month for a year.
Local Ostomy Event Listings August 2024
Find local support. Learn ostomy tips. Join the Ostomy Canada community!
Are you living with an ostomy, j-pouch or urinary continent diversion and looking for support? We have some exciting events coming up for you!
A new peer support group in Red Deer, AB, is hosting its first event this Saturday. If you’re in the area, be sure to check it out! For more information on this event and other upcoming ostomy events, visit https://www.ostomycanada.ca/events/upcoming-events/.
Take advantage of these great opportunities to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
- August 10 at 10:00 am – Ostomy Red Deer Meet & Greet
Bower Place Mall – Sunterra Market – 4900 Molly Banister Dr, Red Deer, AB - August 12 at 1:30 pm- Comox Valley Ostomy Support Group
Driftwood Mall – Quality Foods – 2751 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay, BC - August 13 – BC Urinary Continent Diversions Support Group
Vancouver, BC | Virtual Meeting – Contact the group for details - August 15 at 7:00 pm – Ostomy Medicine Hat Virtual Meeting
Medicine Hat, AB | Join via Zoom - August 18 at 2:00 pm – Comox Valley Ostomy Summer Party
Black Creek, BC – Contact the group for details - August 21 at 7:00 pm – Victoria Ostomy Virtual Support Group
Victoria, BC | Join via Teams - August 26 at 1:30 pm- Comox Valley Ostomy Support Group
Driftwood Mall – Quality Foods – 2751 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay, BC - August 27 at 7:00 pm – Calgary Ostomy & J-Pouch Virtual Support Group
Calgary, AB | Join via Zoom - August 30 at 2:00 pm – Cobourg Ostomy Support Group of Northumberland
Royal Canadian Legion – 133 Orr St, Cobourg, ON
Note: Some groups have not yet submitted their calendars for the latter part of August. Please contact your local group directly to inquire about upcoming events.
Step Up For Ostomy
Save the date: October 5, 2024, is our Step Up For Ostomy awareness event! This important fundraiser supports the Ostomy Canada Society with a goal of raising $100,000. Chapters and peer support groups from Calgary, Medicine Hat, Regina, and Moncton are already on board, and events will be announced soon.
Get ready to Step Up For Ostomy!
- Start or join a Fundraising Team
- Create a personal Fundraising Page
- Donate to the campaign
- Participate as a Chapter or Peer Support Group
- Become a Corporate Sponsor
Learn more at www.stepupforostomy.ca.
Countdown to Squamish 50/50
Alex MacInnis is diligently training for the Squamish 50/50 race happening next weekend. For those unfamiliar, this challenging trail race consists of a 50-mile run followed by a 50-km run. Alex’s goal is to raise $50,000 for Ostomy Canada, showcasing that life with an ostomy knows no boundaries! Recently, he hiked Brunswick Mountain and announced the winners of the gondola and race entry tickets on Instagram. You may have also heard about his ostomy journey during our July webinar. Currently, he has achieved just 2% of his fundraising target, but he remains optimistic about increasing donations as the event approaches. Any contributions are greatly appreciated and can be made using the button below.
Ostomy Canada YouTube Channel Updates
Explore our recent webinar, “Thriving After Ostomy Surgery,” where we delve into emotional well-being and life adjustments following ostomy surgery. Award-winning NSWOC Lauren Wolfe highlights the personal journeys of individuals with an ostomy, discusses the importance of support systems, and shares valuable insights and strategies for fostering a high quality of life.
Ostomy Canada Magazine
The Summer Edition of Ostomy Canada Magazine will be released towards the end of September, and Senior Editor Lisa Gausman is actively seeking contributions for the winter edition. If you’d like to share your ostomy story, helpful tips, or any relevant content, please reach out via email at lisa.gausman@ostomycanada.ca.
If you haven’t subscribed yet, consider becoming an Ostomy Supporter by making a minimum donation of $25 through our website or contributing to one of our fundraising campaigns. Your support truly makes a difference!
Find Support, Get Connected!
You are not alone! Did you know that Ostomy Canada has over 50 affiliated Chapters and Peer Support Groups?
Speak to a Certified Ostomy Visitor for personal support for your ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy, j-pouch or reversal.
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The Ostomy Canada Connects Summer 2024 E-News is brought to you by the Ostomy Canada Marketing Team.
Disclaimer: The information contained within these web pages are presented expressly for informational purposes only. In no way are any of the materials presented here meant to be a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a qualified medical practitioner, nor should they be construed as such. ALWAYS check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your condition, or before starting a new program of treatment. The producers and administrators are not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any form of damages whatsoever resulting from the use (or misuse) of information contained in or implied by these articles.
The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented are applicable to the people depicted. These testimonials are representative of their experiences, but the exact results and experience will be unique and individual to each person.
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