By Lisa Gausman, Senior Editor of Ostomy Canada Magazine
On Sunday, December 14, 2025, members of the ostomy community gathered in Calgary, Alberta, for a powerful and affirming photoshoot in support of Ostomy Canada Society’s national awareness campaign, “Life Is More Than Your Ostomy.”
Held at the warm and welcoming Studio T1X, featuring a professional cyclorama wall and heated floors, the space provided both physical comfort and emotional safety, allowing participants to fully show up as themselves.
Life Doesn’t Stop — It Expands
At Ostomy Canada, we believe that life doesn’t stop because of an ostomy. For many people who have lived with years of pain, illness, uncertainty, fear, and running on survival mode, life can begin again after ostomy surgery. As you will see in these photos, at the heart of the campaign, life after ostomy surgery can be full, expressive, active, and deeply personal.
From an Idea to a National Campaign
From the “Bags Out” photoshoots at the Calgary Step Up For Ostomy events and youth camp week in Bragg Creek, the original inspiration began to take shape through Sean Currie, Lisa Gausman, and Tiffany Shorson, members of the Calgary Ostomy Society. When photgrapher Sean later discovered a professional studio space, a new idea was shared with Bryan Ezako, the Executive Director, and through collaboration, conversation, and advocacy, the vision expanded.
A strong partnership was built with Ostomy Canada marketing volunteers, Hannah Martin-Spencer and Mya Cherry, along with people with lived experience in photography, posing, and uplifting energy, creating a uniquely developed project. Many individuals stepped up to bring this hands-on project to life! Ostomy Canada ultimately committed to sponsoring the studio rental, transforming a local idea into a national initiative.
This project exists because someone spoke up.
A reminder that ideas matter, and that sharing them brings them to life.
Who Stepped Forward
Fourteen participants took part in the ostomy photoshoot, ranging in age from 20 to 57, representing a wide range of lived experiences including:
- Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
- Crohn’s Disease (CD)
- Bladder cancer
- Interstitial Cystitis
Some participants were long-time members of the ostomy community. Others were people we had never met before, who responded to a simple Facebook post and chose to show up; vulnerable, visible, and proud.
Youth camp alumna Naomi Larsen travelled from Golden, BC, specifically to attend the event. It was the first time we’d seen so many young people at a Calgary Ostomy gathering.
Their involvement goes far beyond photographs. These images help:
- Inspire thousands across Canada to live with confidence
- Normalize ostomies
- Challenge outdated stereotypes
- Reflect real people and real lives
The Day Inside the Studio
Participants reviewed and signed consent forms in advance, developed by the Ostomy Canada marketing team, which also created a detailed guide outlining photo concepts and optional video prompts.
Although booked for two hours, the session naturally extended to nearly three, ensuring time to capture a diverse and authentic range of content.
What we captured:
- Group and individual portraits in everyday clothing
- Athletic, swimwear, and seasonal winter/Christmas themes
- Peer-to-peer support moments highlighting the Visiting Program
- Optional video storytelling sessions
- Duo shots, age-diverse pairings, and human-connection imagery
Sean invited his close friend and colleague, Brad MacMillan who gave of his time and equipment. Participants were encouraged to bring personal props reflecting their sports, hobbies, and personalities, while Lisa arrived with several boxes of shared props available for everyone.
The atmosphere was collaborative, respectful, and deeply supportive, all while the energy was vibrant and fun.
More Than a Photoshoot
Participant input was welcomed throughout the day. Questions, ideas, laughter, and emotional moments were all part of the experience.
Everyone was reminded:
Your voice matters. Your presence matters. Your story matters.
Words From the Community
Individual participant quotes captured during the project reflect the heart of this campaign:
“I am stepping up for ostomy because I want to see children get the support that I did not receive when I was 11, when my colon was removed.”
“No bladder? Doesn’t matter.”
“My ostomy pouch gave me a second chance at life—and a second chance to love myself the way I always should have.”
“I used to believe my ostomy would hold me back, but I learned nothing could be farther from the truth.”
“Get your life back. You don’t know what you’re missing.”
“Bringing my voice to ostomy awareness one day at a time.”
“I married my best friend and am about to have our first child. It was cancer or an ostomy bag—I definitely made the right choice.”
“Your story matters. Your strength is sacred. To anyone struggling with health challenges: you are not alone.”
“May your day be bright and your bag be light.”
Stay tuned for more photos
Ostomy Canada’s marketing team is working on a schedule to use these amazing photos. We plan to feature them in various projects such as social media, our website, and new publications.
With Gratitude
We extend our heartfelt thanks to:
- Sean Currie, photographer and creative lead
- Brad MacMillan, photographer, for his expertise with set up and lighting
- The Ostomy Canada marketing team: Tiffany Shorson, Hannah Martin-Spencer, and Mya Cherry (BC)
- Lisa Gausman, Senior Editor of Ostomy Canada Magazine, for her creative contributions and prop ideas
- And most importantly, every participant who trusted us with their image and their story
Thank you for helping us show Canada what life truly looks like—with an ostomy.
About Lisa Gausman
Lisa Gausman, is a graduate from the University of Calgary, holding a Bachelor of English with Honours.
After having 17 abdominal surgeries for damage done to her entire intestinal tract by ravishing Crohn’s disease and being left with short bowel syndrome, Lisa was forced to leave the workforce. This was a huge blow as Lisa had already completed ¾ of her Post secondary BEd degree when her studies were put on hold due to several long-time hospitalizations.
After a near-tragic event in 2005, documented as a ‘narcotic induced depression’, Lisa recovered to find herself seeking out support with the Calgary Ostomy Society as their newsletter editor. Lisa has held many positions locally, nationally and internationally for the ostomy community. Her newfound purpose came as a volunteer mentor turned camp administrator from 2006 until 2025 when she retired. Within Ostomy Canada Society, Lisa has been a dedicated Senior Editor for the Ostomy Canada Magazine. Lisa remains as a helpful volunteer for Ostomy Canada giving back to a community that helped give her life purpose and meaning. Lisa is a loving mother to her premature baby, Wesley, now 24, and to her two furrbabies! When not working for OCS, Lisa can be found jigsaw puzzling!
