01 Oct Happy Ostomy Awareness Day… We Have Some News!

Many of you may remember that about a year ago, we held a contest called #MyOstomyStory, where we asked all of you to share your ostomy related stories with us. We saw so many unique pictures, videos, and tales about those thriving after surgery, some about those facing the possibility of surgery, and even stories about those caring for someone with an ostomy. We also saw a few pictures from “regular” people just supporting the cause. It was beyond inspiring.

The purpose of that contest was to not only spread awareness about ostomy surgery and to show the world that ostomy surgery doesn’t stop anyone, but we also used the contest for a little bit of a different purpose…

We used the contest to find new and unique voices to join the Uncover Ostomy team. 

I originally created Uncover Ostomy out of necessity. As a young ostomate, I found that resources and support were sparse, that the target demographic for ostomy information was much (much) older than me, and that the photos which appeared when you Googled “ostomy” were of things no one ever needed to see.

I decided to create Uncover Ostomy to put a different spin on ostomy surgery. I wanted to show that anyone could thrive as an ostomate and that I could live my life with an ostomy just like any other young woman, (and do it with flare.) I think I’ve accomplished this in more ways than one. 

While it’s been an amazing 7 years since Uncover Ostomy was launched in 2009 (can you believe it?!), it’s time to make a change.

When Uncover Ostomy was initially launched, it was launched as a campaign to supplement a larger organization focused on broader IBD awareness. However, since 2014, we have not been associated with that organization and have used that time to think about where to take the campaign next. The success we’ve seen and the lives we’ve helped changed have opened my eyes to what we have, and can continue, to accomplish. With that, I have realized that we’re more than just a campaign. 

That is why, today, I am announcing the new shift to the Uncover Ostomy campaign.

From here on out, I’m officially announcing that we are now:

Uncover Ostomy –

an organization breaking the stigma surrounding ostomy surgery.

While you all have been so amazing to me, following my life, my journey, my struggles and my triumphs, they are all part of my narrative. All part of 1 narrative. If the past 7 years of running this campaign have taught me anything (and man, have I learned a lot), it’s that every ostomy story is unique and that there are so many other stories that need to be told.

From here, you’ll not only start to see some new initiatives from the organization (resource information, advice columns, support groups), but today, we are introducing the first new one. Actually, we’re introducing the first 3. 

I am so proud, honoured, and ecstatic to announce that we officially have 3 new contributors to the Uncover Ostomy campaign! (Well, 3 and a half!)

Stay tuned over the next few weeks as we unveil  the new faces of Uncover Ostomy!

These amazing individuals are not only strong and special people, but they each have their own unique journey that they have offered to begin sharing with us. Get set, as we follow them and their ostomy stories.

Again, I want to thank you all so much for your continued support. You are all the reason we have made it as far as we have and you have given me hope at what’s to come.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

💕 Jess

If you’d like to donate to the future initiatives of our campaign, you can do so by following this link. Thank you for your continued support!