Stepping Up for Ostomy Awareness in Calgary

On September 21st, the Calgary Ostomy Society held its annual Step Up For Ostomy event at the Inglewood Community Hall. Set against the backdrop of a bright yet brisk day, the gathering featured a walk through the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and became the society’s largest event to date, attracting over 80 enthusiastic participants. Scheduled a few weeks before the national ostomy awareness day, this occasion served as a vital platform for raising both awareness and funds.
Record Turnout and Fundraising Efforts
The event witnessed an impressive increase in participation, boasting more attendees than any previous year. Our fundraiser has gathered $2,360 so far—though $1,000 shy of last year’s achievement, it’s still noteworthy given the economic pressures impacting one of Canada’s largest cities.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our key contributors, Tiffany Shorson, Leanne Whyte, and Lisa Gausman, whose fundraising efforts were instrumental in reaching this total. We also extend our gratitude to everyone who donated. It’s not too late to get involved; please visit our JustGiving page to sign up or contribute.
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who arrived early and stayed after the event to assist with the setup and takedown. Your unwavering support is what makes our events possible!
Vendor and Sponsor Contributions
The event was greatly enhanced by the participation of various ostomy manufacturers and vendors who sponsored the event and contributed door prizes, samples, and exceptional support for our attendees. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Craig Bean at CB Medical for sponsoring our event t-shirts. Thanks to Nanotess, Hollister, Wellwise by Shoppers, McKin Wholesale (Nightingale Medical), Coloplast, Convatec, and Kenron for their generous contributions and enthusiastic involvement.
Engaging Activities and Memorable Moments
A highlight of the event was the introduction of seated yoga led by Jaadaas Jagwa, providing attendees with mobility challenges and an alternative to the traditional walk. We extend special thanks to Sean Currie, our photographer, and Robert Squibb, our videographer, for capturing key moments to enhance ostomy awareness. A particularly memorable moment was the unveiling of group photos showcasing ostomy models proudly displaying their ostomy bags—a first for Ostomy Canada—significantly contributing to destigmatization efforts.
Two pediatric ostomates attended the event, which deeply moved us as they proudly showcased their Bravery Bags. Their resilience stands as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit in overcoming challenges. Ostomy Canada is committed to supporting our youngest members through initiatives like the Ostomy Youth Camp and its collaboration with Bravery Bags.
Importance of Community Support
While Step Up For Ostomy is a fantastic event, it is also a vital initiative that supports the Ostomy Canada Society’s programming. Thousands undergo ostomy surgery annually, with about 150,000 Canadians living with a permanent ostomy. Our organization strives to be the leading voice for ostomates in Canada through awareness, advocacy, collaboration, and support.
Together, we demonstrate that living life to the fullest with an ostomy is possible. Your continued involvement and support are crucial in making these efforts successful. Let’s keep stepping up for ostomy awareness and advocacy!
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[…] If you missed it, be sure to check out the highlights on our blog for a recap and photos: https://calgaryostomysociety.com/step-up-for-ostomy-2024-calgary-recap/ […]