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 hold quarterly meetings in person on the second Wednesday in March, June, and September, with a special Christmas function planned for December. Our Young Adults groups meets throughout the year, and Ostomy Youth Camp in July. The Step Up For Ostomy Awareness Walk will take 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
Step Up For ostomy
Awareness Walk & Fundraiser
Join us on September 21, 2024, at the Inglewood Community Hall for the Step Up For Ostomy event! Participate in an awareness walk, enjoy a BBQ lunch, explore the Ostomy Expo, and connect with others living with ostomies.
Register now for a free t-shirt, sponsored by CB Medical!
Patient & 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 coordinator facilitates both self-referrals and patient referrals, guaranteeing 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 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 more
Farewell to the Calgary Ostomy Newsletter
After 55 years, the Spring 2024 Simply Ostomy Newsletter will mark the final edition of Calgary Ostomy’s quarterly publication. Check out our blog post for some info about the history of our newsletter.
Read more
Calgary Ostomy E-News November 2023
The Calgary Ostomy E-News for November 2023 includes several events, volunteer training and opportunities. Coming up, we have Ostomy Visitor Training, our final Ostomy & J-Pouch Virtual Support Group for the year, and a Christmas Social. Our Visitor Program is seeking volunteers for various surgery types, and we are in dire need of a treasurer, as well as marketing, communications and admin roles.
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
