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 (18-35) 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
- Traveling and exploring the world with an ostomy
- Building independence while learning ostomy management
- Dealing with insurance and healthcare systems as young adults
"We 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."
Our Story
The Young Ostomate Collective started when a few young ostomates realized they were all asking the same questions and facing similar challenges, but finding very few resources that addressed their specific needs as young adults.
We began meeting virtually, sharing experiences, and creating the kind of support system we wished we'd had from the beginning. What started as informal conversations evolved into structured meetups, resource guides, and a thriving community of young adults who truly get it.
What Makes Us Different
While we deeply respect the broader ostomy community, we recognized that young adults have distinct needs:
- Peer Connection: Sometimes you need advice from someone who's also figuring out their career, not someone who's already retired
- Modern Challenges: We address dating apps, social media, and contemporary workplace issues
- Active Lifestyle Focus: Our resources cover everything from music festivals to backpacking trips
- Real Talk: We discuss the topics that might feel awkward in mixed-age groups
- Future-Oriented: We focus on building the life you want, not just managing medical needs