Coming back stronger: A full-circle moment at St. Thomas High School Sara Levitt returns to her alma mater to share her journe

There are few opportunities more powerful than returning to the place where some of your hardest memories were formed. And to do so not as the person you once were, but as the person you’ve become, is a full-circle moment.

On February 5, Sara Levitt stood before nearly 200 students at St. Thomas High School in Pointe-Claire, which she attended when it was known as Lindsay Place. These were once the hallways where she worked hard to hide a part of herself. This time, she returned ready to share it all, without holding back.

At 11 years old, Levitt underwent life-saving surgery that removed two-thirds of her large intestine and left her with an ostomy bag. Now affectionately called “Liv,” she describes it as a medical device that allows her to “poop in a bag,” and live a full life.

When she first came back to school after surgery, Liv was something she tried to conceal. “There were moments where it would make a sound and I would walk down the hallway trying to hide it,” she recalled.

Over time, her perspective shifted. “I have this amazing life because of Liv,” she shared. This realization helped her fully embrace the beauty of who she is.

That message resonated deeply with students. As one reflected, “It makes you think that the daily things we deal with are just not that big of a deal.” Others expressed admiration for her courage in speaking openly about chronic illness and ostomy life, and one student shared that the talk made her feel more comfortable about her own medical condition.

The quiet, attentive audience was fully engaged in Levitt’s messages of self-love and acceptance; messages that lie at the heart of the Jackie Fisher Empathy Tour and its mission to turn pain into purpose while honouring Jackie’s memory and spirit.

After the presentation, several students had some time with Levitt, asking thoughtful questions about her ostomy, education, and career. She answered each one with warmth and generosity, making the day even more meaningful.

A special thank you to Principal Dean Graddon, school dog Boon, the administrative team, and the staff and students of St. Thomas High School for the warm welcome. We are also deeply grateful to the Jaclyn Fisher Foundation for their continued support.