After facing life-changing surgery and years of uncertainty, Sara Levitt found strength in vulnerability, community, and self-love. Now, as an advocate, model and creator, she’s redefining what it means to live — and thrive — with a chronic condition.
Getting diagnosed and facing surgery can feel really overwhelming. Thinking back to that time, what kind of support or advice helped you the most, and what do you wish you’d known earlier?
What helped me most was realizing I’m not alone. I wish I’d known how many others like me were out there, because community truly changes everything. When I was going through my worst times, I didn’t connect much, and I carried so much alone. It feels so isolating and emphasizes how different you feel. It wasn’t until I started sharing my story in 2023 that I discovered the power of vulnerability and the healing that comes from connecting with others through social media. The support of friends and family, along with having trust in my medical team, has made all the difference too. In the middle of it all, it’s hard to believe things will get better, but they do. And finding community reminds you that you’re never the only one walking this path.
Life after ostomy surgery can take some getting used to, both physically and emotionally. What helped you rebuild your confidence and start feeling like yourself again?
I never imagined I’d feel as confident and comfortable as I do now, living with my ostomy. When I first got it 17 years ago, I couldn’t picture this version of me. Everyone’s journey is different, and that’s something I’ve learned deeply; no two stories are the same. My confidence grew slowly, and it took 15 years to share my story publicly – opening up to friends and partners, experimenting with outfits, and eventually wearing my first bikini on a family trip to Cuba. Even just doing daily tasks and resuming independence in life, like going back to school at the time, helped me realize how much life I could live with an ostomy. All of that played a role in showing me what it actually gave me. Strength comes from getting uncomfortable, and I realized if I never stepped out of hiding, I’d stay there forever. Doing a personal photoshoot helped me see myself as a whole, not just a person with a bag, but someone beautiful and strong. Now, every time I share my story, walk a runway, or explain my ostomy to a new team, it gets easier. Each conversation and each moment of openness remind me how far I’ve come, and that confidence is something I believe everyone can rebuild.
Living with Crohn’s or colitis often means adjusting your lifestyle and learning to listen to your body. What are some things you do day-to-day that help you stay balanced and feel your best?
I’m grateful my Crohn’s is in remission now, but that doesn’t mean it’s gone; there’s still no cure, and it can be triggered at any time. I’m on medication to stay stable, and while my ostomy plays a huge role in keeping me healthy, it doesn’t completely protect me from flare-ups. Day-to-day, I focus on balance: eating nourishing, high-protein meals for energy, staying hydrated with electrolytes, taking my vitamins, and moving my body regularly. I still deal with chronic fatigue, so I’ve learned to truly listen to my body and rest when I need to. Managing stress is a big one, as stress has always been a major trigger for me. Learning to say no and prioritize my peace has been one of the hardest but most important lessons. It’s a daily practice of self-awareness and self-compassion because living with Crohn’s means constantly checking in with yourself and choosing to protect your energy, even on the good days.
Competing as a Miss Universe Canada delegate while living with a chronic condition is incredibly inspiring. How did that experience shape your advocacy work?
I’m so grateful for the Miss Universe Canada experience. It taught me so much about myself, my capabilities, and just how much I can achieve when I put my mind to something. Pageantry gave me a platform to amplify my message on a national level and show that strength, beauty, and resilience come in many forms. Being represented by such a renowned organization and having them embrace and support the IBD and ostomy community felt truly transformative. It’s the kind of growth and representation the modeling, media, and pageantry industries need. Competing and placing in the Top 15 was more than just a personal achievement; it was proof that strength has no boundaries, and that a chronic illness or medical device doesn’t define or limit what we’re capable of.
Fatigue, flare-ups, and mental health can all be part of living with a chronic condition. How do you protect your energy and stay motivated without pushing yourself too hard?
This is something I’ve really had to work on throughout my journey, especially working in social media and modeling, two industries that demand so much energy and can quickly affect your mental health and fatigue levels. I used to always be connected and rarely disconnected, but I’ve learned the importance of taking breaks and truly listening to my body. If I’m not my best self, how can I show up for others as an advocate? We’re human, and it’s not normal or sustainable to always be “on,” even if this industry moves fast. Now, I prioritize rest without guilt and remind myself that slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind. What keeps me going is my intrinsic motivation; the pain and challenges I’ve faced fuel my purpose. I know what it feels like to struggle, and that’s exactly why I do what I do. My journey and determination are rooted in that personal experience, and even when I can’t fully pause, that purpose keeps my heart moving forward.
Many people fear that an ostomy or chronic illness will hold them back from doing big things. What would you tell someone who feels that way right now?
It’s completely normal to feel that way. An ostomy or chronic illness is a huge change, and it’s hard to know what life will look like until you start living it and adapting. Speaking from my own experience, my chronic illness impacted my life severely when it was at its worst, and there have been ongoing adjustments along the way. But since my ostomy, life has been so much better. Once you get through that initial adjustment, you can do everything you thought you couldn’t, often with even better quality of life. Swim, travel, stay active, an ostomy doesn’t limit you; it just means a few adjustments. The best advice I can give is to connect with the community. Seeing the stories of others, at all ages and stages, living their lives to the fullest with an ostomy is incredibly empowering. It reminds you that not only can you live a full life, you can do big things too.
Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you’d like to share with our audience?
I have a few exciting things coming up across socials, personal projects, and content in the film and publishing industry. I can’t share many details about it all just yet, but the best way to keep up with everything is through my Instagram @saralevs and TikTok @saralevitt, where I share all the things me and LIV, my ostomy, are up to.
