We are an inspirational story.

We are apart of the broader global community of the invisibly disabled.

More particularly, we represent three communities:

  1. sufferers of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD - Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis)

  2. Cancer

  3. Ostomy

We have no large intestine. We have an ostomy. We have inflammatory bowel disease. We have had cancer. We undergo 10-25 surgeries in our lifetime.

And yet, we persevere to explore earth’s most raw, hostile, extreme natural environments. We push the limits of our human capabilities physically, emotionally and psychologically.

The Ostomy Athlete is a mountaineering team of men & women from Canada, the United States & the United Kingdom.

Together we are climbing many of the world’s tallest mountains including the iconic Seven Summits and executing the Explorer’s Grand Slam by skiing to the North Pole (540 km journey) & South Pole (1138 km journey).

This pursuit is an epic athletic & physical achievement unlike any other. The majesty of the mountains tell stories and so will we.

Hope, Inspire, Achieve

The Ostomy Athletes each have a form of serious IBD (Intestinal Bowel Disease). Our athletes have the same form of IBD called Crohn’s disease. Each athlete also has an Ileostomy & Stoma because they have had their entire large colon/bowel surgically removed.

Our Objectives:

  • To inspire & bring hope to ostomates and those suffering from Intestinal Bowel Disease (IBD) demonstrating that they can return to regular physical activity without limitation. Each of the Ostomy Athletes have gone from hospital bed to mountain summit - so can you (we each have our own version of Mount Everest to ascend so find yours and get after it).

  • To educate the public about Intestinal Bowel disease, including Crohn’s, and what an Ostomy/Stoma are and how they saves lives.

  • To raise millions of dollars in charitable donations to directly improve the well-being of people suffering from Intestinal Bowel Disease and related Intestinal surgeries.

  • Where possible, to partner with research & development teams at medical appliance, pharmaceutical companies, universities and hospitals - R&D centered around bowel disease & ostomy.

Meet the Team

  • Patrick Belton

    Ostomy Athlete - Canada

    Crohn’s Disease, Ileostomy, J-Pouch, Pro Lapsed

  • Charlotte Foley

    Ostomy Athlete - USA

    Crohn’s Disease, Ileostomy, J-Pouch

  • Rob Hill

    Ostomy Athlete - Canada

    Crohn’s Disease, Ileostomy

  • Jessica Upton

    Ostomy Athlete - United Kingdom

    Crohn’s Disease, Ileostomy