COMMUNITY
You do not have to go through this journey alone. There are countless ostomates & j-pouchers in Calgary, many of whom are a member of COS. Join our community today!
EDUCATION
A new ostomy can be a challenge, but we can help by offering education, advice and tips to make it stick! Learn from medical professionals, Ostomy Nurses and veteran ostomates.
OSTOMY VISITOR PROGRAM
Are you currently in the hospital? Did you recently have ostomy surgery?
Our Ostomy Visitor Program offers peer support by trained and certified Ostomy Visitors.
Contact us today!
What We Offer
The Calgary Ostomy Society (COS) is an affiliated chapter of the Ostomy Canada Society and a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to all people with an ostomy or j-pouch, and their families, helping them to live life to the fullest through support, education, collaboration, and advocacy.
EVENTS & SUPPORT GROUPS
Calgary Ostomy holds quarterly meetings, featuring guest speakers, new ostomy products, and more! We offer support meetings such as the Ostomy & J-Pouch Support Group, Young Adults Program & Ostomy Canada Youth Camp. We also participate in the national fundraiser, Step Up For Ostomy. Find an event…
OSTOMY VISITOR PROGRAM
The goal of the Ostomy Visitor Program is to reduce the emotional burden of people who have undergone or will undergo ostomy or j-pouch surgery, so they may return to their former physical, social and economic stutus. Speak to a Certified Ostomy Visitor today! Learn more…
MEMBERSHIP
The Calgary Ostomy Society is a member-driven, non-profit organization that relies on income from annual membership dues and donations to operate. For only $30 a year, you will not only become a member of both Calgary Ostomy and Ostomy Canada, but help us reach our goals. Members will receive a subscription to the bi-annual Ostomy Canada Magazine. Become a member…
Become a member! It will only take a minute.
Sign Me Up!Our Events
Join the Calgary Ostomy Society at our upcoming events. Our social, support and educational events are an excellent opportunity to meet others with an ostomy or j-pouch living in Calgary.
Ostomy & J-Pouch Virtual Support Group meetings are held on the last Tuesday every month, except for July and August. We typically hold quarterly meetings in person on the second Wednesday in March, June, and October, with a special Christmas function planned for December. (Dates may vary.) Our Young Adults and Osto-Meet social groups meets throughout the year, and Ostomy Youth Camp in July. The Step Up For Ostomy Awareness Walk took place on September 21, 2024.
Ostomy & J-Pouch
Virtual Support Group
The Ostomy & J-Pouch Support Group convenes via Zoom on the last Tuesday of each month. This gathering offers a secure environment to discuss ostomy surgery, products, and emotional well-being. Based on attendance, there may be a breakout session specifically for individuals with a J-Pouch.
Learn More
Ostomy Canada Webinar:
Eating & Living Well
With An Ostomy
Join the Ostomy Canada webinar “Eating and Living Well with an Ostomy” on November 27 at 6:00 pm, featuring Calgary-based Registered Dietitian Rory Hornstein. This session will provide practical nutrition strategies and gut health instincts.
Learn More
Calgary Ostomy
Christmas Social 2024
Join the Calgary Ostomy Christmas Social on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 5:30 pm at the Kerby Centre. The event includes a Traditional Christmas Dinner, Cash Bar, Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, and Gift Exchange. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled event! Tickets are $35 each, sales ending November 27.
FInd TicketsPatient & Self-Referral
Connect with a Certified Ostomy Visitor for Personalized Support Post-Surgery
Have you, or someone under your care, recently undergone ostomy or j-pouch surgery? Engage directly with a Certified Ostomy Visitor for specialized support. Our visiting coordinators facilitate both self-referrals and patient referrals, providing a thoughtful pairing with a visitor who has undergone similar surgical experiences and shares a comparable demographic background—whether it be ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy, j-pouch, or reversal. This personalized interaction offers customized advice and support, aiding in your recovery process.
Request A VisitorBecome A VisitorNews & Updates
Calgary Ostomy Fall 2024 E-News
Discover the latest updates from the Calgary Ostomy Society, including highlights from the successful Step Up For Ostomy Awareness event, the introduction of Osto-Meet for social connections, details on the upcoming quarterly meeting, and volunteer opportunities.
Read more
Stepping Up for Ostomy Awareness in Calgary
Read about Calgary Ostomy Society’s successful Step Up For Ostomy event, featuring a record turnout, engaging activities, and vital fundraising efforts to support awareness and initiatives for the ostomy community. Discover how we’re making a difference together!
Read more
Calgary Ostomy April 2024 E-News
Discover the latest updates from the Calgary Ostomy Society: product enhancements, event highlights, volunteer opportunities, and community initiatives. Stay informed about the transition to digital updates, educational conferences, and support group meetings to foster a thriving ostomy community.
Read moreGET INVOLVED
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
It’s impossible to imagine Calgary Ostomy Society without the support of volunteers who help with programming, administrative tasks, marketing, the Ostomy Visitor program, event coordination, fundraising and more. Join our brave and diverse network of volunteers, driven by values of support and hope!
Current volunteer opportunities include:
– Treasurer
– Marketing & Communications Volunteers
– Certified Ostomy Visitors
DONATE OSTOMY SUPPLIES
If you’ve undergone a reversal, experienced a change in your stoma size, or recently lost a loved one who had a stoma, consider donating your unused ostomy supplies instead of discarding them. There’s a global community of ostomates in dire need of these materials. Friends of Ostomates Worldwide Canada is dedicated to collecting and distributing donated ostomy supplies to those in need in countries like Kenya, Ukraine, and India, among others. If you’re in Western Canada, you can contribute by dropping off or shipping your donations to CB Medical.
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Our Sponsors
Celebrating 20 Years of Partnership with CB Medical!
A heartfelt thank you to Craig Bean at CB Medical for his unwavering support of the Calgary Ostomy Society over the past two decades. His contributions, including the Ostomy Youth Camp, Step Up For Ostomy, and FOWC, have made a significant impact in the local community.
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