Sometimes the simplest questions remind us what matters most.
As the holidays approach, I've been thinking about what it really means to give. Not just to exchange gifts, but to notice someone who may be struggling and ask, “What can I do to help?”
My children recently asked me a question that stayed with me: “If this is the season of giving, shouldn't we be giving more?”
They were right. Their question inspired something new at HIRO.
Why we're giving forward
I've lived with an ileostomy since 2008. I know firsthand that an ostomy support belt can mean more than a piece of clothing. For some people, it can help them feel more comfortable, confident, and ready to participate in the things they love.
I also know that not everyone has the money to buy the products that could make daily life easier. When someone is choosing between essential expenses, a support belt may have to wait.
That's why we created HIRO Gives Forward. Through Black Friday, we plan to give one HIRO ostomy support belt each week to someone who needs one and may not be able to afford it.
Giving Forward Comes From Gratitude
I think most of us can look back on a time in our lives when we needed someone to reach out and offer a helping hand. I've certainly had those moments myself. There have been times when life was difficult, when the road ahead seemed uncertain, and the kindness and generosity of others made a greater difference than they may ever realize.
I've never forgotten the people who showed up for me when I needed them most. Their support reminded me that sometimes even the smallest gesture can give someone the strength and encouragement to keep moving forward.
Today, I'm grateful to be in a position where I can extend that same kindness to someone else. That's what HIRO Gives Forward means to me. It's not simply about giving away a product. It's about remembering what it feels like to need a helping hand, appreciating those who offered one, and doing what we can to pass that kindness along.
Sometimes a small gesture makes a meaningful difference
When I started designing ostomy support products, my goal was never just to make something to sell. It was to help people feel more free to move, travel, work, exercise, and live their lives with confidence.
HIRO is a family-owned business, and giving forward is a way to put that purpose into action. We can't help everyone at once. But we can start with one person, then another.
Sharing the Spirit of Aloha
Living in Hawaiʻi has given me an even deeper appreciation for the spirit of aloha. To me, aloha is more than a greeting. It's about compassion, generosity, connection, and caring for one another. Sometimes that means simply being there when someone needs a helping hand. Through HIRO Gives Forward, I hope we can share a little of that spirit with people near and far, one act of kindness at a time.
This Is Just the Beginning
Over the years, I've been asked many times, “What is your mission? What is your ultimate goal?”
My answer has always been simple, and it hasn't changed since the beginning.
I want to make sure that everyone living with an ostomy has access to the highest-quality, most comfortable ostomy support possible, so they can live confidently, stay active, and enjoy life to the fullest after surgery.
That's it. That's always been my mission.
I know firsthand how much the right support can change someone's life. And I believe that financial circumstances shouldn't stand in the way of someone feeling comfortable, secure, and confident in their own body.
HIRO Gives Forward is one small step toward that larger goal. As O'Hamill Inc. grows, I hope we'll be able to do much more to make that vision a reality.
Help us find someone who could use a little kindness
If you could use an ostomy support belt but are unable to afford one, you can request one for yourself. If you know someone who might benefit, you can nominate them instead.
We made the nomination form simple. We'll ask for your email address so we can follow up, the recipient's first name, and any contact details you have for them. You don't need to share private medical information about anyone else.
Request a Belt or Nominate Someone
No purchase is necessary, and submitting a nomination does not guarantee selection. We will contact people privately if we need additional information.
Giving is something we can all take part in
You don't have to buy anything to be part of this. Maybe you know someone who could use help. Maybe you can share this opportunity with an ostomy support group, a nurse, a friend, or a family member.
And maybe the spirit of giving will inspire you to do something kind in your own community, too.
I'm grateful to everyone who has supported my journey, and I'm excited for HIRO to have a chance to support others.
From our family to yours, thank you for helping us give forward.
Richard O'Hamill
Founder, O'Hamill Inc. | HIRO