An Evening With Ostomy Canada: A Night of Connection and Inspiration

By Nancy Plume of the Halton-Peel Ostomy Support Group

I was fortunate to be part of an unforgettable evening. Richard and I, along with my husband, attended An Evening with Ostomy Canada alongside members of the Board of Directors, staff, and other guests. It was an evening filled with resilience, strength, and inspiration.

So often, we are presented with information about ostomy care, supplier options, and ways to support our mental health. While all of this is important, we sometimes forget how meaningful it can be to simply listen to the stories of others. Hearing real experiences reminds us that we are not alone and lifts us up in a way that nothing else can. Sometimes, we all need to be inspired.

Our support group offers these opportunities, but I need inspiration too. This evening truly provided that.

We all face adversity in our lives in different ways, but it is how we choose to channel it that matters. Maintaining a positive attitude in our life with an ostomy is not always easy. Still, when we work toward accepting our challenges, we allow ourselves to heal both physically and emotionally. Our friends and family play a huge role in that healing, and this evening was a powerful reminder of their importance. I couldn’t help but think how meaningful it would be if this event could be shared as a webinar so others could experience the strength and connection that filled the room.

The evening opened with Raimo Strangis presenting the short film STUCK. Raimo spoke openly about the many challenges he faced before and after his ostomy surgery, and how difficult it was for him to let others know about his ostomy. The film, directed by Dan Abramovici, went on to earn first place at the Barrie Film Festival, with Raimo generously donating the prize winnings to Ostomy Canada. STUCK raises awareness about life after an ostomy and serves as a powerful reminder that our friends and family are there for us for a reason.

Next, we watched a short film highlighting Ostomy Canada Youth Camp. Children from across Canada are given the opportunity to attend this camp, and many arrive having never emptied or changed their own ostomy. Carly, a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence, shared her experience volunteering at the camp after attending herself earlier in life. She spoke about how many children leave camp knowing how to care for their own ostomy. It was a meaningful reminder that our fundraising truly makes a difference in young lives. At camp, children meet others like them and adult mentors who help them understand they are not alone.

Janet Paquet also spoke about the camp and the lasting impact it has on everyone involved. We then heard from Sage, a camp participant, who expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to attend. Sage shared just how much the camp meant to them, and their words truly warmed all of our hearts.

The evening concluded with Alex Macinnis, an ultra-marathon runner and Step Up Champion, who shared his personal journey. His path has not been without challenges. While training and competing in the Squamish 50/50 ultra trail race, Alex raised funds for Ostomy Canada. The previous year, he did not make the time cut after day one, but this year was a very different story. Alex completed this incredible endurance event, proudly wearing his ostomy.

His journey does not stop there, as he was preparing to begin training for the SASQUATCH Ultra Trail Race. Alex’s goal is to show that an ostomy is not the end of the story. You can follow his journey on Instagram at @talesfromthebag.