Ostomy Canada Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing advocacy, awareness, collaboration, and support, helping people living with ostomies, and their circles of support to live life to the fullest.
Founded in 1962, this Canadian-based organization has grown into a vital resource for ostomates and their families, healthcare professionals, and the general public.
An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) in the abdominal wall, allowing for the diversion of bodily waste. This life-altering procedure is often performed in cases of severe illness or medical conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and colorectal cancer. While an ostomy can save lives and improve quality of life, it also comes with unique challenges and adjustments that individuals must navigate.
Ostomy Canada Society serves as a beacon of support, education, and advocacy for those who have undergone ostomy surgery. Here’s a brief overview of what the organization is all about:
- Support and Information: Ostomy Canada provides a strong support network for individuals living with ostomies and their families, including Ostomy Youth Camps, Visitors Program, Paediatric Outreach, the Ostomy Canada Magazine, and Connects Newsletters, with a goal to ensure that everyone living with an ostomy has access to valuable information and support. This support includes peer-to-peer connections, confidential helplines, and access to resources that help with the physical and emotional challenges that ostomates may face.
- Advocacy: Ostomy Canada is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for the rights and needs of ostomates. The organization works tirelessly to destigmatize ostomies and improve accessibility to ostomy care products and services. They engage in public awareness campaigns and actively participate in discussions with government agencies, healthcare providers, and insurers to advocate for ostomates and their circles of support, receive the care and support they deserve.
- Education: Education is a core pillar of Ostomy Canada’s mission. The organization hosts webinars, and awareness campaigns to provide up-to-date information about ostomy care, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle management. Ostomy Canada also offers Education Awards and bursaries. This commitment to education helps individuals with ostomies lead fulfilling lives and empowers healthcare providers to deliver high-quality care.
- Community Building: Ostomy Canada encourages ostomates to connect with each other through local support groups and online forums. These communities provide an inclusive and safe space for individuals to share their experiences, find encouragement, learn from each other, and build lasting friendships.
- Youth Support: Recognizing the unique challenges faced by young ostomates, the organization offers youth-specific programs and support through the Ostomy Youth Camps. These initiatives aim to help young people with ostomies live their lives to the fullest and offer guidance on navigating school, sports, and social activities.
Ostomy Canada Society is Canada’s voice and agent of change for people living with an ostomy. They offer essential support, information, advocacy, education, and community building opportunities to help ostomates lead healthy, fulfilling lives. By raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with ostomies, Ostomy Canada is making a significant impact on the quality of life for ostomates in Canada. Their dedication to empowering lives and inspiring hope is a testament to the invaluable work they do in the ostomy community.
Learn more at ostomycanada.ca.
