Our Favourite Ostomy Content Creators

Living with an ostomy can be a life-altering experience, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your passions and ambitions. In fact, many ostomates around the world are offering their voices and platforms to share their stories and journeys. From athletes to academics, models to marketers, here are some of our favourite ostomy content creators who show us that life with an ostomy is still a life full of possibilities. 

Nadia Maffucci Di Rienzo 

📍 Ontario, Canada 

If you’re a foodie or love trying new recipes, listen up! Nadia is a self-proclaimed “UC warrior”, foodie, and mother of two who created Gutsy Girl Diaries, where Nadia shares delicious ostomate-friendly recipes.  
 
Her journey through severe IBD flares led her to speak openly about digestive health and wellness. As an Ostomy Canada Ambassador, she uses her voice to raise awareness and help others live confidently with IBD. 

Find her on Instagram @gutsygirldiaries 

Kristen Cosner 

📍 West Virginia, USA 

In 2016, Kristen was diagnosed with severe ulcerative pan-colitis. Six surgeries later, she lives with a permanent ileostomy—and a master's degree. 

Kristen started her master's program in a hospital bed the day before her first surgery. Kristen graduated from West Virginia University with a Master of Science degree in Integrated Marketing Communications. 
 
Through her blog Kristen’s Chronicles and Instagram @kristenschronicles, she offers a blend of inspiration, reflection, and encouragement for others navigating ostomy life. 

“I promised myself that I would start living life as freely and adventurously as possible… I would never take for granted the fragile crown that is our health.” 

Collin Jarvis 

📍 California, USA 

Once a Berkley track star that was sidelined by ulcerative colitis, Collin made a remarkable comeback. Collin now runs marathons—with an ostomy. Just five years after his surgery, he completed the Edmonton Marathon with a sub-2:30 finish, clocking in at 2:27—an extraordinary feat for any runner, let alone someone with an ostomy. 

His journey is chronicled on Instagram @collinjarvis, where his motto is “No Colon, Still Rollin!” 
 
“If I can go out and run, then I can train, and if I can train, then I can race,” 

Sara Levitt 

📍 Quebec, Canada 

Based in Montréal, Sara is a model and ostomate who’s making headlines by breaking down barriers in the modeling industry—posing confidently with her ostomy bag in fashion shoots. She aspires to become the first Miss Universe Canada contestant with an ostomy.  
 
Sara and Liv (Her loving nickname for her ostomy bag) have done countless photoshoots and have partnered with some familiar brands. Brands that include (but not limited to) Maxim Magazine and La Vie en Rose. 

Follow her journey on @saralevs 

Jessica Grossman 

📍 Ontario, Canada 

Jessica is a Toronto-based model and digital marketing entrepreneur who founded the awareness campaign Uncover Ostomy. She's also the founder of In Social, a digital marketing agency. 
 
At age nine, Jessica was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. She stayed as an in-patient at SickKids for two years. Four years after her diagnosis, she underwent lifesaving ostomy surgery. 

With degrees from Western and NYU, Jessica uses her website and social media platforms to promote ostomy visibility and change perceptions. Jessica even garnered attention from People magazine for the work she has done for ostomates. 

Follow her on Instagram @jessgrossman 

Bottom Line 

There is a key lesson to learn from all these ostomates. Ostomy surgery allows you to get another shot at living life. And that they have never let ostomy surgery stop them from moving forward with their lives. 

If you have questions about this program or need assistance selecting the right ostomy products, MyOstomy.ca is here to help! (Did we mention we are proudly Canadian owned and operated? 😉🍁)