For Ostomy Awareness Day, this Saturday, October 3, we're celebrating members of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) community who have experienced ostomy surgery as part of their journey. They're sharing their stories, lessons, and experiences to help build understanding and awareness. We hope their words offer encouragement, connection, and a reminder that no one has to navigate this journey alone.
Kate Bailey
For Kate, life with ulcerative colitis has been marked by perseverance and determination.
Over the years, she has participated in multiple research studies and medication trials, all while raising three children, managing a homestead and hobby farm, and launching her own business!
Yet despite exhausting available treatment options, her disease has continued to progress.
As Kate adjusts to life with a permanent ileostomy following surgery, she is sharing her experience openly to help others navigating a similar journey.
"What I've learned is that this journey is rarely linear."
Kate's advice for newly diagnosed people emphasizes patience, self-advocacy, and mental health.
"Protect your mental health. Prioritize it. Chronic illness affects far more than the body and caring for your mind is just as important as caring for your physical health."
One of the most meaningful lessons from her journey has been discovering the support and connection that can come from sharing her story.
"There are so many good, compassionate people willing to offer support, encouragement, and understanding."
Kat
Kat's IBD journey began in 2020 when she experienced symptoms including urgency, abdominal pain, nausea, and blood in her stool.
After several years of treatment and a prolonged flare that lasted more than a year, she underwent a total colectomy in October 2024 and received an ileostomy.
She recently welcomed her first child and is enjoying something that had become difficult during active disease: simply being present.
"Since my surgery I have noticed that I can be a lot more present in conversations and experiences because I'm not worrying about a lot of other things now."
For Kat, sharing her story has become a way to help others see what life with an ostomy can really look like.
Her advice for others reflects the power of connection and community.
"Find your community!"
And perhaps most importantly:
"I started looking around on social media and found lots of others living life, where an ostomy was a minor aspect of their life, not their whole identity."
Reflecting on everything she has overcome, one realization stands out:
"I'm a lot more resilient than I knew myself to be."
Rob Trembinski
Rob was just 13 years old when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. While still in high school, he underwent surgery that included a temporary ileostomy before receiving a pelvic pouch (J-pouch).
Thirty years later, he remains deeply grateful to the medical team who, in his words, "saved my life."
Today, Rob is celebrating that milestone by giving back to the IBD community.
As Chair of the Sault Ste. Marie Gutsy Walk for the past three years, he has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for Crohn's and Colitis Canada, bringing people together to fund research, raise awareness, and support those living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
"My journey taught me the importance of resilience, support, and hope. If sharing my story helps even one person, it's worth it."
As Rob marks 30 years since his surgery, he continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Through his leadership, volunteerism, and commitment to the IBD community, he is helping create a future filled with greater understanding, support, and connection.
Katie Simpson
After experiencing symptoms for nearly three years, a series of alarming health issues finally led Katie to the emergency room.
Although Crohn's disease was already part of her family's story, with an aunt diagnosed at age 12, she never imagined she might be living with it herself.
Following her diagnosis, treatment initially helped keep her disease under control, but what followed was a long and difficult medical journey.
In October 2024, she found herself back in the emergency room with excruciating pain and was told she needed emergency surgery and would be receiving a colostomy.
"Now that I have my ostomy, it's actually given me more hope in dealing with this disease. I feel like it completely gave me my life back."
Her support system played an important role throughout her journey. From helping navigate medical appointments to providing encouragement through long hospital stays, her loved ones were there every step of the way.
"My Mom was the biggest constant in getting my diagnosis, my hospital stay, everything. I truly do not know what I would have done without her."
For years, Crohn's affected nearly every aspect of daily life. Before surgery, making plans, working, attending school, or even being away from a bathroom often felt overwhelming. Now, she experiences something she once thought might not be possible.
"With my ostomy, I have so much more freedom."
And for anyone newly diagnosed with IBD or facing the possibility of surgery, she encourages others to lean on the people around them and remember that support can make all the difference.
These stories highlight the unique journeys of people whose lives have been shaped by ostomy surgery.
This Ostomy Awareness Day, let's celebrate the ostomy community, build understanding, and share experiences that inspire and connect.
Curious about ileostomies, ostomies, and j-pouches?
Find more information on Ostomies under our Treatments and Medications page of the
IBD Journey.