19-year-old posts inspiring selfie showing stoma bag

19-year-old Leanne Hammond is on a mission to raise awareness of colostomy surgery, and share her personal experiences, through the most effective form of communication: social media.

Hammond was diagnosed with genetic cancer FAP (Familial Adenomatous Polyposis) when she was 18-years-old. Doctors found that hundreds of polyps had formed in her large bowel, and were subsequently forced to remove her bowel and rectum, leaving her with a temporary stoma bag.

Although this has been a life-changing procedure, Hammond is determined to look on the positive side of things – the stoma bag has, after all, saved her life.

She started Facebook page, My Stoma Bag Story, not only to share her challenging journey, but also encourage others to talk about their condition, and end the stigma around stoma bags.

View full post on Facebook

Posted by My Stoma Bag Story on Sunday, 15 November 2015

Hammond explained, ‘I was terrified and so upset and worried what my body would look like. I was upset because I didn't think my life would be the same, would I be able to wear the same clothes that I wear now? Can I eat the same food I eat now? So many questions ran through my head.’

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‘All along I was worried about how I would feel about my bag..but in the end my stoma bag was the easiest part of it all and I wouldn't change my experience because it has made me a stronger person!

‘I hope to inspire other young people to believe that ostomies are not the end of the world and a lot more people have them than you realise.’

In fact, according to the UK Colostomy Association, approximately 21,000 temporary and permanent stoma operations are performed each year.