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Celebrating what makes us unique!

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Ostomy Support Groups and Online Resources

These links are provided as general support resources. Ellie and Ollie is not affiliated with these organizations. Forums and groups have their own rules regarding the sharing of links or promotions—please follow each community’s guidelines. This list is not medical advice.

1. United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA)

https://www.ostomy.org/welcome/

Description: The leading U.S. nonprofit supporting people with colostomies, ileostomies, urostomies, and continent diversions. Offers advocacy, education, peer support, and a national directory of local and virtual support groups.

 

2. UOAA Support Group Finder

https://www.ostomy.org/support-group-finder/

Description: A searchable tool from UOAA that helps users locate in-person and online ostomy support groups by ZIP code or region across the United States.

 

3. UOAA Discussion Board

https://www.uoaa.org/forum/

Description: A long-standing online forum for ostomates and caregivers to discuss daily life, questions, product tips, reversals, veterans, parents, and more.

 

4. MeetAnOstoMate.org

https://www.meetanostomate.org/

Description: A well-established community forum and social support site with tens of thousands of members where people with ostomies share experiences, encouragement, stories, and advice.

 

5. Mayo Clinic Connect – Ostomy & J-Pouch Support Group

https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/ostomy/

Description: A moderated community hosted by Mayo Clinic where patients and caregivers can ask questions, share experiences, and find practical support on living with an ostomy or J-pouch.

 

6. Reddit – r/ostomy

https://www.reddit.com/r/ostomy/

Description: A large, active Reddit community where people with all types of ostomies talk about challenges, products, lifestyle tips, emotional support, and daily experiences.

 

7. Colorectal Cancer Alliance – Ostomy Support Group

https://colorectalcancer.org/resources-support/resources/living-well-colorectal-cancer/ostomy

Description: A volunteer-led monthly video chat support group for people with ostomies (especially related to colorectal cancer), offering peer connection and shared experiences.

 

8. American Cancer Society – Ostomy Support Information

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/supportive-care/ostomies/getting-help-info-and-support.html

Description: A comprehensive resource page with guidance on finding ostomy support groups, visitor programs, and information on connecting with others living with an ostomy

Contact

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Coloring Pages

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Puzzles

Stoma Star Award

Designed to go hand-in-hand with Ellie & Ollie, the Stoma Star Certificate gives children a special reminder that having a

stoma—or learning about one—is something to be proud of.

It’s a small gesture with a big message: you are strong,

capable, and never alone.

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Activities

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Story Paper

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Conversation Prompts

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