Ostomy 5K

This past weekend, the Ostomy Awareness 5K brought together ostomates, families, healthcare professionals, and supporters from across the country. What made it powerful wasn’t just the miles covered, but the stories carried with every step.

A heartfelt thank-you to Lara Dupree and Angela Richardson the incredible co-founders of the Ostomy 5K. Their vision and dedication have turned a simple idea into a national movement that celebrates strength, raises awareness, and builds connection for everyone living with an ostomy. Their leadership reminds us that advocacy begins with compassion and grows through community.

A Community in Motion

For me, the day was a personal one. As an ostomate of over 35 years and a Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse, I have seen both sides of the journey reflected in the course—patients I’ve cared for, friends I’ve walked alongside, and new faces discovering that they are not alone.

Seeing ostomates cross the finish line was a reminder that life with an ostomy is active, intense, and worth celebrating. Many told me how much it meant to participate openly and proudly, without hiding their stories. That visibility matters—it chips away at stigma and shows the world that an ostomy is not an ending, but a new chapter.

The Power of Showing Up

Whether participants ran, walked, or joined virtually, every step sent a message: awareness grows when we show up. Families cheered, kids ran beside parents, nurses stood with their patients, and strangers became allies.

The atmosphere was full of encouragement—people swapped tips, shared laughs, and celebrated milestones big and small. For some, this was their first time participating in an event since undergoing surgery. For others, it was a tradition of coming back each year, stronger and more confident.

Gratitude and Next Steps

I’m grateful to everyone who supported this event—whether you participated, donated, volunteered, or spread the word. Advocacy is built in moments like this, and each one adds up to greater understanding, acceptance, and hope for those living with an ostomy.

The race may be finished, but the mission continues. Let’s keep talking, keep sharing, and keep standing together. Awareness doesn’t end at the finish line—it begins there.

The Ostomy Awareness 5K reminded us that every stride—whether walked, rolled, or run—helps move the conversation forward for those living with an ostomy. But our mission doesn’t end when the race clock stops. Here’s how you can stay part of the movement and keep making a difference:

Share Your Story

Spread awareness by posting your race photos, reflections, or reasons for walking. Use #OstomyAwareness5K and #OstomyRN to help others see the strength and community behind every ostomy journey. Each story shared helps someone feel less alone.

Hope this helps 🙂

Click here for more information about how to get involved.