By Nadia Maffucci Di Rienzo, Ostomy Canada Ambassador
As we welcome another year, I’ve been reflecting on everything 2025 held: the heavy moments and the quiet wins. Living in this body continues to teach me surrender and resilience. Some days felt strong and steady. Others felt messy, exhausting, and just unfair.
2026 will mark three years since my life-saving ostomy surgery. I’m still learning that it’s possible to love my life and still wish parts of it were easier. My ostomy doesn’t define me; it simply exists as part of my story. And for that, I am deeply grateful.
What I’m most grateful for is this community because it feels like home. The gentle souls who never ask me to be anything other than myself. The space where I can be quiet, tired, honest, and still belong.
Mental Health Matters… Always
Living with IBD, facing a cancer diagnosis, and navigating life with an ostomy isn’t just a physical journey, it’s an emotional one too. Fear, isolation, and uncertainty can weigh as heavily as the medical challenges. That’s why caring for mental health is non-negotiable.
For me, 2026 will hold less expectation and more grace. More presence. More softness when things feel heavy. And a quiet gratitude for the life I continue to build and the people who walk alongside me.
Mental Health Tip for Ostomy Life:
Start a gratitude anchor practice. Each morning or evening, write down one thing your body allowed you to do today, even something small, like enjoying a meal or taking a walk. This gratitude practice shifts focus from what feels hard to what’s still possible, reinforcing resilience and self-compassion. Over time, these tiny acknowledgments create a powerful sense of peace and perspective.
You are not alone. Your feelings are valid. And your mental health matters. Let’s keep breaking the stigma, lifting each other up, and reminding ourselves that resilience grows stronger when shared.
Wishing you health and prosperity in 2026.
Much love and #staygutsy xo
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Nadia Maffucci Di Rienzo is a source of inspiration, advocating for those with invisible illnesses and bringing hope to many. Despite battling Ulcerative Colitis since 1997 and, more recently, colorectal cancer, Nadia’s resilience shines. After her total proctocolectomy in January 2023, she has bravely embraced life with a permanent ileostomy. Nadia shares her journey on her blog, Gutsy Girl Diaries, and Instagram, chronicling her experiences with IBD and cancer and her new life with an ostomy.
As the inaugural Ostomy Canada Ambassador, Nadia aims to destigmatize invisible illnesses and disabilities. Her story is not just about survival but thriving, proving life with chronic conditions can be purposeful and positive. Through her empowering spirit and uplifting message, Nadia inspires others to embrace life fully, despite challenges.
Visit Nadia’s website Gutsy Girl Diaries, or follow her on social media!
