Meet the ‘Bag Bish:’ Model, influencer and ostomy advocate

Sara Levitt, 31, spent 15 years grappling privately with shame and embarrassment. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at just 3 years old and later with Crohn’s disease at age 11, she ultimately underwent surgery that required her to live with an ostomy bag for the rest of her life. Today, Levitt lives openly and unapologetically as a social media creator and model, advocating for Crohn’s and ostomy awareness. Most recently, she placed in the top 15 of Miss Universe Canada 2025.

Inspirations caught up with her recently to learn more about her story.

So, can you tell us: who is Sara Levitt today?

I studied graphic and web design at John Abbott College before completing a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in marketing at the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University. I’m a coffee fanatic, I love sushi, and I have a cat and a dog who are truly my kids and emotional support animals. I was born and raised in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, and I’m a bubbly, energetic person with a huge curiosity for life  I genuinely love living. Between the ages of 11 and 13, I was in and out of the hospital trying different medications. I was nose-fed and also fed through a peripherally inserted central catheter line.

I was extremely sick, living with chronic pain and unable to attend school. On May 2, 2008, my condition reached a point where emergency surgery was required – it was essentially a matter of life or death. My Crohn’s disease had progressed so severely that medication was no longer effective, which led to emergency ostomy surgery.

That’s a lot for a child to undergo. Do you remember what that moment felt like?

I remember it very vividly; it was traumatic. I remember thinking, how am I going to live with this? I didn’t want an ostomy bag, but I didn’t have a choice. I struggled deeply with body image and self confidence. It felt like my body was hijacked from me. Throughout high school, college and university, it was a big secret. Only a few people knew.

What helped you move toward embracing your ostomy bag publicly?

It was a buildup of moments. In 2019, I challenged myself to wear a bikini on a family trip to Cuba, even though my osto my bag was visible. Each time I shared my story with friends or partners, I grew more confident. In 2023, I returned to Cuba alone and realized how exhausted I was from hiding.

A big part of it was growth and maturity –reaching a place where I felt comfortable with who I was becoming. I had spent years asking myself, “when will I be ready?”

Later on, I traveled to Los Angeles and did a bikini photoshoot. It felt like a sign. I posted the photos for my birthday on September 26, 2023. And that’s what start-ed everything.

You recently spoke to high school students on the Inspirations’ Jackie Fisher Empathy Tour. What message do you hope they will take away from hearing your story?

Be kind and accepting of others, regardless of their differences. Don’t be so quick to judge – you never know what someone is going through.

What projects are you most excited about right now?

I’m developing a self-love product for individuals with chronic illnesses and physical differences, focused on strength and self-acceptance. I’m also continuing my work as a model and creator, and exploring opportunities in film and media to raise awareness around ostomies. There’s always a lot in motion – and I’m always building toward what’s next.