At CUI Wear, we believe that a stoma is simply the start of a resilient new chapter. We are thrilled to introduce the first in our new "Community Spotlight" series, featuring Georgie Leckey. Georgie’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset and the correct support, high-impact sports like dance and cheerleading are not just goals, they are realities. Whether you are recently diagnosed or navigating your own recovery, Georgie’s journey from a hospital bed to the dance floor offers the inspiration and practical reassurance every ostomate deserves.
Guest Journal: My Life With a Stoma
By Georgie Leckey
Hello, my name is Georgie. I’m 25, and I’m now navigating life with a stoma bag.
I was first diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 18 years old. At the time, I had no real understanding of what it meant or what the future might hold. After my diagnosis, I went into remission, however in 2021 I flared up and I was started on biologics, which worked incredibly well for four years and allowed me to live a relatively normal life.
However, in June 2025, everything changed. The medications that had once kept me stable stopped working, and I experienced my biggest flare yet — one that simply couldn’t be brought under control.
Lying in a hospital bed and hearing the word “stoma” was terrifying. I knew it would be a huge change, both physically and mentally, and I was overwhelmed by the fear that I’d never be able to do the things I loved again. I’m a very active person and take part in high-impact sports, so the first question I asked my surgeons was, “Will I still be able to dance and do cheerleading?”
They reassured me that, with time and recovery, it should be possible. But when I tried to find people online who danced or cheered with a stoma, I found very little — and that’s when I decided I wanted to help change that.
Thankfully, my recovery went smoothly, and I didn’t experience any complications. I took things slowly, focusing on rebuilding my strength. After six weeks, I started swimming and easing myself back into gentle dance classes. Because of how active I am, I was measured by CUI for a support band to help prevent hernias and provide the extra support my stoma needed.
There are so many support options available, and I tried on several to find what worked best for me. I use the CUI Support Tube Band — it’s incredibly supportive and discreet, and it fits perfectly under my dance and cheerleading costumes. Most importantly, no one would even know I have a stoma.
Looking back, I wish I could tell my pre-surgery self that everything would be okay — that life wouldn’t stop, and that I’d still be able to do everything I loved… and even more. My stoma hasn’t limited me; it’s given me my life back. I’m now able to do so much more than I could before surgery.
If you’re feeling scared about returning to fitness, sports, or everyday activities, I hope my story shows you that it is possible. With the right support — especially a good support band — you can still chase everything you want to do and feel confident doing it.
Do you have a story to tell? If you would like to share your story to raise awareness with us and help inspire others in the ostomate community, please get in touch. We would love to hear from you.
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