Draft:Richard O’Hamill
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Comment: This draft is written from the viewpoint of the person who is the subject of the draft, focusing on what the subject or their employer says about them. Biographical notability is based on what independent reliable sources have written about the subject.This draft does not establish biographical notability. See also Wikipedia is not for resumes. You may ask for advice about biographical notability at the Teahouse. Robert McClenon (talk) 01:43, 20 September 2025 (UTC)
Richard O’Hamill is an American inventor, entrepreneur, martial arts instructor, and ostomy advocate based in Hawaii. He is best known as the original inventor of the Stealth Belt, a patented support garment designed for people living with an ostomy.[1] O’Hamill is also the founder of Stealth Medical Inc. and the lifestyle apparel brand Stealth Ostomy Wear, both of which focus on empowering individuals with ostomies through functional and stylish medical gear. He is additionally known for his background in WingTsun Kung Fu, fire performance, and motivational speaking.
Early life and background
[edit]O’Hamill developed an interest in martial arts at an early age and later became a certified instructor in WingTsun Kung Fu, a Chinese martial art emphasizing close-range combat and energy redirection. His creative and physical pursuits eventually expanded into fire performance and flow arts, which he continues to practice and perform in Hawaii.
Stealth Belt and medical innovation
[edit]Following his own experience living with an ostomy, O’Hamill invented the Stealth Belt, the first activewear-style ostomy support belt designed to provide discretion, comfort, and support during physical activity.[1] Originally sewn by hand, the product quickly gained popularity in the ostomy community for its blend of function and aesthetics. In 2016, Stealth Belt expanded internationally, acquiring its largest European competitor and making the product more widely available across Europe.[1] Although O’Hamill is no longer involved in day-to-day operations, he remains an owner of Stealth Belt and has since focused on launching Stealth Medical Inc., which produces medical-grade ostomy support wear, and Stealth Ostomy Wear, an apparel line designed to promote body confidence and lifestyle flexibility for people with ostomies.
Research and impact
[edit]O’Hamill’s invention has been cited in multiple peer-reviewed studies exploring the physical and psychological benefits of ostomy support belts. A prospective interventional study published in 2024 examined 45 patients using the Stealth Belt over eight weeks and reported statistically significant improvements in work/social function, sexuality/body image, stoma function, and overall life satisfaction.[2] Another study published in 2022 in the Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing evaluated 202 ostomy belt users and found meaningful reductions in leakage, skin irritation, and appliance failure compared to non-users.[3]
Advocacy and public engagement
[edit]O’Hamill has appeared as a motivational speaker at national events and ostomy conferences, including features in publications such as The Phoenix, the official magazine of the United Ostomy Associations of America.[1] His story has been used as a case study in reclaiming confidence and physical activity after surgery. He has also been active in showing that extreme sports and adventurous lifestyles are still possible after ostomy surgery. His public demonstrations have included wakeboarding, water skiing, surfing, skydiving, and martial arts training, all while managing his ostomy with a Stealth Belt.[4]
Martial arts and fire performance
[edit]Beyond his work in medical entrepreneurship, O’Hamill is a longtime WingTsun Kung Fu instructor and performer. He is known within the Hawaiian performance community for incorporating martial arts, flow arts, and fire dance into cultural festivals and live shows.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Reclaiming My Life". The Phoenix. Vol. 6, no. 2. United Ostomy Associations of America. March 2011.
- ^ Karhu, E.K. (2024). "Ostomy Belt Use Improves Quality of Life in Patients with a Stoma". Surgeries. 5 (1): 92–102. doi:10.3390/surgeries5010011.
- ^ Pittman, Joyce (2022). "Ostomy Complications and Quality of Life of Ostomy Support Belt/Garment Wearers". Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing. 49 (1): 60–68. doi:10.1097/WON.0000000000000843. PMC 8768503. PMID 35040815.
- ^ "Ciccarelli Makes NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Debut with JJCR at Eldora". ESPN. 2017.