I’m Damien, but most people in the community know me as “Damo.” I’m passionate about fitness, mental resilience, and raising global awareness for ostomy and IBD. My background includes over 20 years of working in mining, but my true calling has become supporting and inspiring others through my story and experiences. Outside of advocacy, I enjoy training in the gym, exploring the outdoors, and creating content that motivates people to conquer challenges with courage.

I’m down-to-earth, honest, and love connecting with people from all walks of life. My goal is to show ostomates that they are not alone, and we can still live whole, active, and meaningful lives. Through my role as a Coloplast Ambassador, I hope to continue breaking stigma, building community, and proving that strength comes from overcoming adversity.             

In September 2022, my life changed when I underwent emergency surgery that resulted in an ostomy. At first, it was one of the toughest challenges I had ever faced, both physically and emotionally. I had to learn how to adapt, rebuild my confidence, and embrace a completely new way of living.

Over time, I came to see my ostomy not as a limitation, but as something that gave me a second chance at life. It allowed me to regain my health, return to fitness, and start building a positive future again. Today, I share my journey openly to help others see that living with an ostomy is not the end, it’s a new beginning filled with opportunities to grow stronger and inspire others who may be facing the same path.