Rebranding the Ostomy Bag…
One cover at a time!
Body Positivity… Self Love… Shattering the Stigma…
Meet April
This life was not what I had planned. I joined the United States Army out of high school and proudly served my country with a tour overseas in 2004. At 21, after a host of serious medical issues, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, presumably from my time on active duty. I struggled with UC over the next decade, living on 16 pills a day, undergoing injections, infusions and protocols in an attempt to heal my gut issues. It wasn’t enough to save my dying organ and it had a major impact on my quality of life.
During my pregnancy with my son, my body continued to fail me. I contracted multiple C-Diff infections and was hospitalized more times than I can count. I was at a turning point in life and wanted to take control. I decided, after carefully researching options and selecting a team of doctors, to have my entire colon and rectum removed. With a newborn at home, I chose to have a permanent ileostomy, and ultimately, that decision saved my life.
This was the BEST decision I’ve ever made…
A New Destination…
After my surgery, life began again. That’s not to say it was without struggles. I had to settle into this new body of mine. It took time to find the right bag for my body type while dealing with leaks, to figure out the best foods for my system, to revamp my wardrobe… but in time, I figured it out. I began to heal. I got comfortable in my body again and realized that I wanted to help others find their way too.
It all started with a simple idea: learn to sew. I bought a sewing machine and got to work. Then, the creative side of me came alive. I wanted to make a cover for my bag to boost my self-confidence, self-worth and body image. I didn’t want to hide it, I wanted the world to see that there’s a person behind the bag… and that LIFE goes on!
I started That Girl with the Bag to make a difference.
To re-brand the Ostomy bag while finding humor, beauty and community.
In sharing my journey and my creativity, my goal is to give others HOPE.