A North Vancouver man is out to prove that you can still climb mountains, literally and figuratively, while living with an ostomy.
“People think that an ostomy ends your life,” said North Van resident Alex MacInnis. “But I want to show that it doesn’t.”
MacInnis was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 12. Much of his childhood was spent in and out of hospitals. Though he had time to recover and reclaim his health after his college years, the disease struck back forcefully in his early 30s. His health continued to deteriorate, and, once again, MacInnis was back in hospitals.
In 2018, he underwent a major health surgery, having his large intestine removed. Today, he lives with a permanent ileostomy, which is a surgically created opening in the abdomen that allows for the small intestine to be brought up to the surface of the skin. This is done so that waste can be passed directly out of the body.
Despite what he has gone through, MacInnis has a strong message for everyone: his life is far from over.
This month, he will take part in the Squamish 50/50, one of Canada’s most gruelling ultramarathon challenges. The race spans more than 130 kilometers over two days.
MacInnis will be running it with an ostomy bag strapped to his body.
His campaign will be named Ultras for Ostomies, and he plans on raising funds for the Ostomy Canada Society, a national organization which provides support, education, and advocacy for those living with ostomies.
“Ostomy Canada was a huge part of my recovery, not just physically, but emotionally,” said MacInnis. “They help people see that their life isn’t over after surgery. That they’re not alone.”
MacInnis has always loved being in the mountains. They have been a place for him to be himself, a site for activity, and now, a place for him to raise awareness and continue his path of healing.
This wouldn’t be his first time attempting the Squamish 50/50. Last year, he was only three kilometers short from completing Day 1 of the ultramarathon. That result meant he couldn’t tackle Day 2, but that didn’t discourage him from trying again.
“That was heartbreaking, but it fueled me,” he said. “I’ve spent the past year training hard, right here in the North Shore mountains, and I’m ready.”
This year’s race will be held Aug. 16-17. Those interested in supporting and donating to MacInnis’s Ultras for Ostomies campaign may do so here. All of the proceeds will go to Ostomy Canada’s programs, helping others who undergo major surgeries find the right resources and communities.
Alex’s journey can be found on his website, Tales From The Bag.
“I want to inspire anyone with an ostomy to believe in themselves again, to feel proud of their body and everything it’s survived,” he said. “And I want people to know there’s a strong community out there, backing them.”
Zain Alragheb is a student intern reporting for the North Shore News. She can be reached at [email protected].
