Meet The Team!
The Calgary Ostomy Society is run soley by these dedicated volunteers who serve on our Executive Committee!
Calgary Ostomy’s Executive Committee at the Step Up For Ostomy Event 2022.
From left: Pris, Kaylee, Tiffany, Helmut, Deanna & Pat.
Pat Cimmeck
President
Pat has dedicated a large portion of her life to Ostomy Canada Society (formerly UOAC). She has been President and past President of UOAC, served as President and past President of the North and Central America and Caribbean Ostomy Association, is a Director on the FOW(C) BOD, has been President of the Calgary Ostomy Society for many years, and has volunteered for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada in Calgary. Pat has also volunteered as Ostomy Canada Youth Camp Administrator for 27 years.
In 2020, Pat was a recipient of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, issued by the Govenor General of Canada.
Deanna Desramaux
Vice President & Volunteer Visitor
Deanna’s journey began in 1998 with a diagnosis of a connective tissue disorder known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome – the Vascular type. This is the terminal and most dangerous aspect of EDS as it affects the cardio-vascular system along with the joints and muscles. Her large intestines perforated in 2012 which culminated in an irreversible colostomy. Then in 2014 while on a trip to Costa Rica, she found herself in hospital (there’s a story you want to hear!) which resulted in a 10 day stay and a HUGE bill. Thank goodness for insurance! Upon returning to Calgary, surgery was performed and an ileostomy resulted. She connected with the Calgary Ostomy Society in 2017, becoming a patient visitor. As per the medical team in 1998 she was given 6-12 months to live. Deanna credits her positive attitude and the help of the amazing doctors, family and friends for her ability to continue to experience life. Feel free to ask Deanna about her diagnosis and her journey to get to where she is now.
Tiffany Shorson
Marketing & Communications
Tiffany was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 1991 at age 10, and by the following year required a colectomy, resulting in her first ileostomy. She has had reversals, including a Pediatric Ileoanal Pull Through, J-Pouch & Koch Pouch, and since 2011 has had a permanent ileostomy. In 2013 she was also diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Since 2015, she has volunteered with the Calgary Ostomy Society in many ways. She also assists on the Marketing & Communications team with Ostomy Canada and the national Step Up For Ostomy committee.
Kaylee Janse
Volunteer Visiting Coordinator
Kaylee was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2007 and in 2013 her medical journey resulted in a permanent ostomy. She has been volunteering with the Calgary Ostomy Society since 2016. She currently helps to coordinate volunteers to help new and existing patients incorporate the results of their diversion surgeries successfully into their lives.
Priscilla Squibb
Secretary & Young Adults Coordinator
Priscilla was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2000 and had her first ileostomy in 2002. After a couple reversals and adjustments she now has a colostomy since 2012. While the road has had ups and downs, Priscilla still enjoys life and a good laugh. Volunteering is a pleasure for her and she divides her time between such places as The Drop In Centre, the Parkinson Association of Alberta, as well as with COS, when she isn’t working or absorbed in a good book. In 2023 she also stepped up as the Youth Adults Coordinater.
