Tag Archive for: running with an ostomy

Resilience Story: Brittany Jackamonis

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Health and wellness have always been a big part of my life’s journey. I grew up running track and cheerleading, and then found a new love in CrossFit in 2012, which really took fitness to another level for me. As a wife, mom, minister, and police officer, I was living out some of my healthiest and best years.

But life took a sudden turn in September 2022. Severe stomach pain dropped me to my knees. It was discovered that I had ulcerative colitis; a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in your colon and rectum. I was already at the level of what doctors refer to as a Mayo 3, most severe.

Life spiraled quickly: instant dramatic weight loss, six colonoscopies later, multiple hospital visits and stays, various CT scans, lengthy infusion sessions, infections throughout the colon, in and out of a restroom multiple times a day; my quality of life no longer existed. I suffered painfully, while still trying to show up for my family, career, and ministry.

Talks about an ostomy bag started very early into my diagnosis, but I just couldn’t wrap my mind around having a bag attached to my stomach. I endured pain and suffering but surgery eventually had to happen; life simply couldn’t carry on the way it was going for me.

Then came the ostomy in January 2026! And I can actually say this with pure excitement! Because although I had to have my entire colon removed and a piece of my small intestine (stoma) flipped to the outside of my stomach, my quality of life is back! My fitness is back! My health is back! I’m fully back for my family, my career, and ministry!

My ostomy gave me the option of restoring my health, and has shown me a new level of resilience. It doesn’t define who I am, but proves strength, perseverance, and empowerment!

Working in law enforcement with an ostomy is pretty unique. When I first returned to work after  two months off, I remember being excited and anxious. I was excited to be feeling so much better and returning to my Team, but anxious to see how wearing my gear around my waist would feel on my bag. I remember going to the shooting range for practice just to feel how different shooting positions and pulling from my holster felt. All has been extremely normal and well for me back on duty! It’s been 18 years in law enforcement, and I can still do everything the same!

I wanted a fun active way to bring those with ostomies together to be bold and build confidence.

I learned about UOAA by doing research online a few months after my surgery. I knew I wanted to do something big in the ostomy community but I didn’t want to reinvent the wheel. I found UOAA and the Ostomy 5Ks that take place around the Nation, and I was all in! I knew I had to bring this type of energy and awareness to South Carolina.”

I wanted a fun active way to bring those with ostomies together to be bold and build confidence. I noticed right away that many people with an ostomy were ashamed and lacked confidence. I knew it was time for a confidence boost! I also want a way for the community to show up to support and become more aware of what ostomy bags are and how much they truly give life back. I’m excited to host the Inaugural Run for Resilience Ostomy 5k in Columbia, SC on  Saturday, October 10th in celebration Ostomy Awareness Day at the beautiful Sesquicentennial State Park! 

I’m also happy to be back at my favorite place, Carolina CrossFit It is a breath of fresh air! I lift and move just fine. If we have burpees, wall walks, bar muscle ups (those movements that require you to have pressure near the stoma area) I know when and how to modify. I limit myself little to none when it comes to fitness. An ostomy bag doesn’t stop my CrossFit workouts. Put a barbell in my hand any day, and we are taking it for a nice spin!

My advice is (after being cleared from your doctor and discussing parastomal hernia risk), don’t limit yourself. Know what works for you, stay hydrated, secure your stoma and ostomy bag with a fitness wrap, and put in the work. You’re not immobile, you’re just uniquely you!

Every ostomate’s journey is different, but one thing is commonly shared: We are resilient!

 

Celebrate your resilience and participate in a Run for Resilience Ostomy 5k event near you or host your own Virtual Ostomy 5k event wherever you are. Donate in honor of Brittany’s resilience or learn more about her Ostomy 5k event in South Carolina!

Resilience Story: Denise Miller

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On Nov. 6, 2022 I was bike riding with my husband and started having pain on my right side. Dr. Goggle said it could be appendicitis. So, I went to the ER and found that it was not my appendix but that I had ovarian cancer. At the time, 55 years old, I thought I was in good health. I was shocked, depressed and scared to death having to deal with cancer. I went to the oncologist and was learned I was going to need a total hysterotomy and that there was a shadow on my large intestine but that she would not know what it was until the surgery.

There was the possibility that I would need a colostomy. Ok, I thought, now dealing with cancer and the possibility of an ostomy, I was more depressed and felt my life was over. How can I deal with an ostomy and cancer?

On December 27, 2022 I went in for my surgery and came out with an ostomy. Apparently, the cancer had wrapped itself around the large intestine and a large portion had to be removed. I was given a colostomy and a chance to leave a normal healthy life.

I was depressed though and thought how in the world can I go on with this? The cancer part was gone and I did not have to go through chemo but on medicine and three month check-ups with an oncologist for the next five years. But now I had to deal with an ostomy.

Shortly after I was home from the hospital, I met my guardian angel (The greatest ostomy nurse) Andrea Torok who taught me, encouraged me and helped me mentally get through so much dealing with an ostomy. I was told I could do what I did before and more. She and my husband Guy Miller got me through so much and I’m so grateful for them both.

Andrea encouraged me to start an ostomy support group in Ann Arbor, Michigan and I thought, what? Me? I have no clue how to do that?

I feel great running and so much healthier, with more energy than before.

United Ostomy Associations of America assisted me in starting an affiliated group and after two years we have about 20 people in the group.

I was also excited to feel better and started running again as I had before surgery. Once able to get back to running I was soon doing 5K races and winning my age group! I feel great running and so much healthier, with more energy than before. I wear a binder when running daily and lifting weights.

I also hike, bike and live life to the fullest. I for sure have my down days, but think that I am here, healthy and helping others any way that I can.

Last year I was thrilled to learn about the Run for Resilience Ostomy 5k that is celebrated by UOAA for National Ostomy Awareness Day.

I traveled to Cleveland, Ohio from Michigan for the event. I felt very inspired by all those that participated in the run/walk. People wearing their bags on the outside of their clothes, the shirts folks wore, and just feeling so comfortable about their ostomy. I felt very welcomed and free to wear my ostomy outside my clothes and not feel ashamed.

I was inspired to increase awareness of ostomies in Michigan so this year I’m organizing the first annual Run for Resilience Ostomy 5k in Ann Arbor on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Many people have them but feel like cannot talk about it and that makes me sad.

As I have been fundraising for this event and the mission of UOAA, I have heard so many stories about people that have ostomies, know someone, or have had an ostomy reversed and want to be a part of increasing awareness.

I have realized that I am not alone in this and so many people in Michigan want to help and be a part of this. I also have a goal of getting the younger generation involved.

Ostomies do save lives and we can do what we want if we put our minds to it!

 

Celebrate your resilience and participate in a Run for Resilience Ostomy 5k event near you or host your own Virtual Ostomy 5k event wherever you are. Donate in honor of Denise’s resilience or learn more about her Ostomy 5k event in Michigan!