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Well the exciting news is that the Ostomy Youth Camp is good to go this summer if you want to register you son or daughter please look on our Facebook Page for the information.
We had Personal Trainer Jeff Babister do a presentation at our last meeting. He did a fantastic job showing how to work out with a ostomy and how starting off slow is
important. We will have Jeff back again at the end of May.
We have been having great success using Microsoft Teams lately so we will continue to use team as our meeting platform.
With the restrictions finally over I would like Ostomy Toronto to take part in the Step Up For
Ostomy fundraiser its focus is raising money while doing something anything this will be in October. Look for more information as I get it.
I hope everyone is enjoying the freedom of no restrictions but remember everyone use caution when going out if you have immune deficiency issues like I do, please be safe and well.
I hope everyone enjoys the nicer weather
Thanks for your support
Jim Fitzgerald
President
Ostomy Toronto
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Monthly Meeting Invitations |
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*Please note we have permanently switched to Microsoft Teams* |
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These emails will
only be sent the mornings of each Monthly Meeting, and Monthly Open Forum/Peer Support Meeting. The emails will only contain the information required to sign in and attend the Ostomy Toronto Meetings.
Here are some tips to help join the Ostomy Toronto Zoom meetings:
Please note: If you currently subscribe to our monthly newsletter, you will not be automatically subscribed to these email invitations, you will have to enter your name and email address HERE.
*If you have previously signed up for Zoom invitation emails, you do not need to sign up again.
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Ostomy Toronto is inviting you to a scheduled Open Forum Peer Support Meeting:
Join Ostomy Toronto for our Monthly Meeting, on Tuesday, April 12 at 7:30pm. All are welcome!
Please Note: Ostomy Toronto will be switching from Zoom to Microsoft Teams this month.
You're invited to join a Microsoft Teams meeting
Title: Ostomy Toronto's Open Forum Meeting
Time: Tuesday, April 12, 2022, 7:30 PM
Click here for meeting info & links
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Ostomy Toronto is inviting you to a scheduled Monthly Meeting:
Join Ostomy Toronto for our Monthly Meeting, on Tuesday, April 26 at 7:30pm. All are welcome!
Please Note: Ostomy Toronto will be switching from Zoom to Microsoft Teams this month.
You're invited to join a Microsoft Teams meeting
Title: Ostomy Toronto's Monthly Meeting - March
Time: Tuesday, April 26, 2022, 7:30 PM
Click here for meeting info & links
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Feature Friday: Krista, Two Years Later |
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Two years ago (to the day!) we featured fellow Canadian, Krista, who discussed her feelings about the ever-familiar response:
"But you don't look sick".
Now, Krista opens up about her experience with pregancy and a stoma.
“Pregnancy with a stoma for me has honestly been so much smoother than I ever imagined it to be.
I was worried about not being able to conceive, about getting blockages if I did get pregnant and how my body/illness and stoma would adapt to the changes.
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I am considered a high risk pregnancy because of the complexity of my Crohn’s disease. This does mean I have more frequent visits and appointments to keep a close eye on things. But my OB and GI are both really pleased with how things are going and they really don’t have any big concerns at this time. We’ve discussed how I will need some iron infusion top ups before baby’s arrival but we are waiting until May to get those done.
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I’m officially in the 3rd trimester and I haven’t had to change the size in my ostomy supplies. My stoma has been handling things really well. It has stayed the same size thus far.
My Crohn’s disease is cooperating and hasn’t been giving me any issues except for the odd blockages but nothing that’s needed medical intervention. These things are typical for me pregnant or not.
My appetite has been great and I’ve been able to enjoy eating food without pain.
Right image: Krista, two years ago.
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I’m continuing my meds all the way through my pregnancy to make sure things stay the way they are Crohn’s wise. Hoping to stay feeling well once baby is here earth side.
It’s crazy to think that this time 4 years ago, I was prepping for a hospitalization to prep me for ostomy surgery. Never in my wildest dreams did I think 4 years later that I would be prepping for baby’s arrival.
I’m forever grateful for my ostomy because I don’t think I would be where I am today and healthy enough to bring a baby into this world without it."
If you would like to share the story of your ostomy journey and be highlighted on Ostomy Toronto's social media, please submit your photo along with a short blurb to info@ostomytoronto.com, with the subject line "
Feature Friday Submission", or send it to Ostomy Toronto's Instagram via Direct Message.
Alternatively, tag @OstomyToronto in your Instagram post and we may repost it.
We love learning about the wonderful people in our community, locally and around the world!
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Ostomy Toronto is commited to sending as many kids to Ostomy Youth Camp this year as possible.
Mon. July 4 - Fri. July 8, 2022
Ages 9 to 18.
Former Ostomy Youth Campers: Ostomy Toronto wants to hear from you! Send us your favourite Ostomy Youth Camp / Camp Horizon story, along with a photo.
In an effort to promote Ostomy Toronto’s commitment to sending as many kids to camp this year as possible, we want to share former campers’ fun, personal experiences at camp with new, first time campers.
Please send us your photos, including your favourite camp memory, via email to info@ostomytoronto.com, or via Ostomy Toronto’s direct message via Instagram.
We'd love to hear your stories!
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Seeking: Volunteer Board Members |
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Ostomy Toronto is currently seeking Volunteer Board Members.
Specific duties vary month to month, however only requires no more than 4 hours of commitment per month. Positions are currently 100% remote.
The Ostomy Toronto Board of Directors holds a Zoom meeting once monthly to disscuss future plans, as well as updates from the previous month. Volunteers will have a position on the Board, will cast votes on Ostomy Toronto matters, will help brainstorm, offer ideas, and will assist the Board with monthly duties.
For further information or to apply, please contact Ostomy Toronto President Jim Fitzgerald: jimfitzgerald40@gmail.com or 647-570-4329.
Referals welcome and appreciated!
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Jim Fitzgerald, President
Aaron Wolkoff, Financial Treasurer
Urooba Ahad, Director
Glen D'Silva, Director
Michele Smith, Director
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Amanda Caristo, Social Media/Web Manager
Antonio Pergola, Bingo Volunteer
Linda Hurren, Bingo Volunteer
Jennifer Burnett, Bingo Volunteer
Melissa Aman, Bingo Volunteer
Cindy Zuccaro, Bingo Volunteer
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DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this Newsletter is presented for informational purposes only. None of the information is a substitute for professional medical care, attention by a qualified practitioner, or product information that can be gained from an ostomy product distributor, manufacturer or management professional, and under no circumstances may it be relied upon as such. Always check with your doctor or Enterostomal Nurse if you have any questions or concerns about your condition or if you are about to start a new program of treatment or management. Ostomy Toronto and the editors of this Newsletter are not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any form of damages whatsoever resulting from the use (or misuse) of information contained in or implied by this Newsletter.
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