Why This Community Exists
When you're 25 and you get an ostomy, the world suddenly feels like it's designed for different people. Most resources are created for older adults, support groups often don't relate to your concerns about dating or career building, and you might feel like the only young person dealing with this.
That's where the Young Ostomate Collective comes in. We saw a gap: a whole generation of young adults who needed resources, support, and community that actually spoke to their lives and experiences.
This community was born from the recognition that young ostomates face unique challenges:
- Navigating dating and intimacy in your twenties and thirties
- Building careers while managing a chronic condition
- Making decisions about disclosure in professional and social settings
- Maintaining body confidence during formative years
- Travelling and exploring the world with an ostomy
- Building independence while learning ostomy management
- Dealing with insurance and healthcare systems as young adults
"I believe that having an ostomy doesn't limit what you can achieve. It just means you might need different strategies and a community that understands your journey."
My Story
The Young Ostomate Collective started when I realized I was asking questions and facing challenges that weren't being addressed in existing ostomy support spaces. As a young adult with an ostomy, I found very few resources that spoke to my specific needs and life stage.
I created this platform to build the kind of community and support system I wished I'd had from the beginning. Through articles, resources, and creating space for connection, I'm working to help other young adults navigate life with an ostomy.
What Makes This Different
While I deeply respect the broader ostomy community, I recognized that young adults have distinct needs:
- Peer Perspective: Content from someone who's also figuring out their career and navigating young adult life
- Modern Challenges: Addressing dating apps, social media, and contemporary workplace issues
- Active Lifestyle Focus: Resources covering everything from music festivals to backpacking trips
- Real Talk: Discussing topics that might feel awkward in mixed-age groups
- Future-Oriented: Focusing on building the life you want, not just managing medical needs