Article co-written by Tiffany Shorson and Lisa Gausman

On March 1, Ostomy Canada hosted a special video shoot at the Calgary Central Library as part of an awareness and social media project designed to share real stories from the ostomy community. Organized by Marketing Team volunteers Tiffany Shorson, Lisa Gausman, and Hannah Martin-Spencer, the event brought together people living with an ostomy, along with a few family members and supporters, for an afternoon centered on storytelling, connection, and encouragement. Sean Currie and Brad MacMillan brought all of the photography and filming equipment, and there was a lot of amazing and expensive equipment that they hauled from their vehicles, up many levels to the filming room and then back again at the end of the day. Teri Bellfontaine helped support production, scheduling, and participant flow. We had approximately 12 participants on camera, supported by family members/spouses. Each individual brought a unique and personal experience to the video shoot.

Tiffany had booked both a studio room and a separate meeting room at the library so participants would have a comfortable place to wait, connect, and spend time together before and after filming. As guests arrived, Tiffany directed participants to the studio space while Teri helped manage waiver forms and keep track of the filming order. Although the event was built around video recording, the waiting area quickly took on the feel of a support group, with people chatting, laughing, and sharing parts of their surgery experiences with one another over snacks and refreshments. It created a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that reflected the strength of the ostomy community itself.

The Calgary Central Library added to the experience, as many attendees were visiting it for the first time and were struck by how beautiful the building was. At the same time, a Chinese New Year celebration was taking place in the library, bringing music, dancing, and extra energy to the afternoon. While Sean and Brad set up their impressive photography and videography equipment in the studio room, participants gathered in the meeting room, reviewed story prompts, and waited comfortably for their turn. Each filming session lasted about seven minutes, and in between interviews, attendees continued talking and supporting one another. A few group photos were also taken, including candid moments that captured the warmth of the day.

The goal of the project is to create both short social media reels and a longer YouTube documentary featuring multiple voices from across the ostomy community. Rather than presenting long individual interviews, the final video will weave together short segments from many participants, including individuals with ostomies as well as spouses, partners, and family members. The documentary will explore diagnosis and surgery, the emotional and practical challenges that can follow, the role of support systems, and what it means to live well with an ostomy today. The overall aim is to create something honest, hopeful, and empowering that helps others feel seen, understood, and less alone.

Examples from two of the stories shared that day were especially meaningful. Chris, originally from the UK and now living in the Calgary area, spoke about the many misdiagnoses he faced early on. He said he had little knowledge of either the ostomy or ulcerative colitis community when he first became ill, and he remembered seeing a poster in his specialist’s office that suggested surgery usually came 12 to 15 years after diagnosis. Learning that he was a candidate for surgery and then having to undergo it within his first year was a difficult adjustment. He described the experience as a major change in identity, involving diet changes, the loss of his career due to medications, and the challenge of adapting to a new medical condition. Even now, he said he is not sure he has fully adjusted.

At the same time, Chris shared that returning to the activities he loved, including skiing, sailing, and golfing, helped him begin to see his ostomy less as an enemy and more as a necessity. He also emphasized how important his wife’s support has been, not only during his health crisis but throughout the pressures of work and family life as well. He spoke about the value of support groups, including the Calgary Ostomy Society, and offered encouraging advice for anyone approaching surgery: stick with it, because although it is daunting, you can get your life back, and in some ways, an even better life than before. For him, living well with an ostomy means treating yourself well within your own situation and regaining the ability to enjoy the foods and hobbies that make life worthwhile.

Hannah, age 25, from Burlington, Ontario, shared that she had her ostomy surgery just over five years ago because of ulcerative colitis. Because her mother also had UC and had experienced both an ostomy and later a J-pouch, Hannah was fortunate to receive a quick diagnosis after noticing blood in her stool. She said the hardest part at first was getting used to having something attached to her abdomen all the time, though that feeling eased after a few months. She told her family and close friends soon after surgery, but it took about a year before she felt comfortable telling new people.

Over time, Hannah found confidence by becoming more open and accepting that her ostomy had become part of who she is. She shared that posting on Instagram helped her feel more comfortable in her own skin. She also described how dramatically her quality of life improved after surgery. She was able to exercise again, eat the foods she wanted, drink coffee, take road trips, and eventually return to swimming without any problems. She also spoke honestly about dating, admitting she was nervous about being rejected and did not always tell partners right away. But when she did open up, she was met with natural curiosity and acceptance rather than hesitation.

Together, stories like Chris’s and Hannah’s show the range of experiences within the ostomy community, while also highlighting the same themes of resilience, adjustment, and hope. They remind us that no two journeys look exactly the same, but that support, honesty, and connection can make a tremendous difference.

Above all, this video shoot was about making sure people affected by ostomy surgery know they are not alone. Every voice matters, and every story shared has the power to encourage, support, and inspire someone else. Please share your questions or comments below.

We encourage all chapters and small support groups to organize their own events in their communities. The more we share of ourselves and our journeys, the more we eliminate any existing stigmas or patient fears about being isolated, feeling alone, or being misunderstood. Together we are creating the change we need.

With Gratitude

We extend our heartfelt thanks to:

• Sean Currie, photographer
• Brad MacMillan, videographer
• The Ostomy Canada marketing team: Tiffany Shorson, Hannah Martin-Spencer, and Mya Cherry (BC), Lisa Gausman
• 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.