Part of New Beginnings Living with an Ostomy
You're not
alone.
Beyond the Bag shares survivor-led resources, education, advocacy, and hope for people living with an ostomy—and everyone who walks beside them.
Today's Affirmation
“You are stronger than your scar.”
Upcoming Event
The book relaunch luncheon is officially live.
Tickets are available now for Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Cornerstone at Lumberton, NJ. Doors open at 11:30 AM and the luncheon begins at 12:00 PM.
You are invited
Book Relaunch & Signing Luncheon
Join Stephanie Crawford and the Beyond the Bag community on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Cornerstone at Lumberton, NJ. Doors open at 11:30 AM and the luncheon begins at 12:00 PM.
Date & Time
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Luncheon begins at 12:00 PM
Doors open at 11:30 AM
Venue
Cornerstone at Lumberton, NJ
Lumberton, New Jersey
Hosted By
Stephanie Crawford | Beyond the Bag
Book signing and community luncheon
Featured Book Cover
I Lived in the What If, I'm Living in My Now
Every ticket includes Stephanie's book, now shown directly on the invitation for easy printing and sharing.
Featured Book
Included with your luncheon ticket
I Lived in the What If, I'm Living in My Now
Stephanie's memoir is at the center of the afternoon and included with every luncheon ticket.
Reserve Your Seat for the Book Relaunch Luncheon
Join Stephanie Crawford on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Cornerstone at Lumberton, NJ. Doors open at 11:30 AM and the luncheon begins at 12:00 PM.
Date & Time
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Luncheon begins at 12:00 PM
Doors open at 11:30 AM
Venue
Cornerstone at Lumberton, NJ
Lumberton, New Jersey
Featured Speaker
Elder Dion Wiles
Higher Ground Temple Church
$25 per person
Includes luncheon and your copy of the book.
Hosted by Stephanie Crawford | Beyond the Bag
Upcoming Community Partnership
Businesses can now sponsor the 2nd Annual Colorectal Walk.
We're inviting local partners to support the walk through sponsorships, donations, food support, giveaways, and volunteer teams.
Sponsor Spotlight
2nd Annual Colorectal Walk
Help Beyond the Bag bring colorectal cancer awareness, community support, and real survivor-centered resources to the next walk. We are inviting local businesses and partners to show up in a way that feels visible and practical.
Community-ready support options
Sponsor the walk, make a direct donation, cover refreshments, contribute giveaway items, or bring a volunteer crew.
Founder contact
Stephanie Crawford
nblwao@outlook.com
Education
Practical, survivor-led information for real life with an ostomy.
Our Purpose
Real stories.
Real strength.
Real hope.
Beyond the Bag turns lived experience into connection. As part of New Beginnings Living with an Ostomy, we make room for honest conversations, useful tools, and a community that understands.
Community
Support for survivors, caregivers, and families.
Advocacy
More awareness, dignity, and confidence for every journey.
Support the Mission
Get the Book. Grab a Ticket. Support the Mission.
Shop books, e-books, event tickets, and support resources that directly fund ostomy education, advocacy, and hope.
Trusted by the Community
What Our Community Is Saying
“Stephanie’s story gave me the courage to stop hiding. I wore my first swimsuit in years after reading her work. This community is everything.”
— Maria T.
ostomy survivor, NJ
“I was terrified when my son came home from surgery. Beyond the Bag gave our whole family the tools to understand what he was going through. We don’t feel alone anymore.”
— James R.
caregiver, PA
“The resources here are unlike anything I found in a doctor’s office. Real talk, real experience. Stephanie lives this mission every single day.”
— Roxanne C.
UOAA advocate