Meet Collin

At 21 Collin Jarvis was a nationally ranked middle and long distance runner when he was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2013, just before starting his final year at the University of California, Berkeley. The disease quickly forced Collin to stop running and put his plans for graduating on hold. Within 8 months of the initial diagnosis, Collin was left with no choice but to have ileostomy surgery performed to remove the diseased colon.

With the support of friends and family and an unwavering determination to return to high level running, Collin was able to return to Berkeley after surgery to finish his academic career and compete in the NCAA again. Since then, he has continued his running career and developed a passion for helping others who have ostomies return to an active and fulfilling lifestyle after surgery. In 2016 Collin was presented the opportunity to join the Stealth Belt team, where he is now the Vice President of marketing and operations.

Collin’s story is one of determination, patience, and optimism and illustrates the importance of a positive perspective when facing some of life’s most daunting challenges. Read his full story in this Runners World Article that was featured in 2019, after he set the unofficial world record in the marathon for those with an ostomy!

Interests/ Involvement

• UOAA conference speaker
• Ostomy support group speaker
• Written for the Phoenix Magazine
• Running
• Rock climbing
• Swimming and biking
• Drawing