Pro Surfers, Hospital Helping Kids

SANTA MONICA, Calif.—At Santa Monica State Beach a busload of professional surfers lined up their surfboards in the sand. Some of the best surfers in the country came to support 28 children with cystic fibrosis, aged 3 to 26 years old. Kala Alexander, Kalani Robb, Ian Walsh, Benji Wetherely, Noah Erickson, Josh Baxter and Shawn Ward were there on July 30, helping children with the genetic lung disorder surf and play in the sun.

The children, some of them patients of the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, headed to the beach, some seeming excited while others seemed scared of the water and waves. Professional surfers arrived with event sponsors and a contingent of local surfers.

James and Charles Dunlop of Ambry Genetics started the Mauli Ola Foundation in 2007 to enlist pro surfers to promote education and awareness of genetic diseases and increase research for genetic disorders. They also wanted to introduce surfing as a natural treatment option for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The Mauli Ola Foundation has taught hundreds of CF patients to surf through free events with hospitals, and has visited hundreds of patients around the United States. It was the 4th annual Surf Experience Day in Santa Monica.

Dr. Danieli Salinas, pediatric pulmonologist at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles was also surfing with the children at the event. “Children affected by cystic fibrosis have a decline in lung function over time, which limits their ability to exercise," she said. "Exposing the children to the ocean air and water helps to break up some of the blockage in the lungs. In addition, exposure to sunlight helps them to assimilate natural vitamin D, helping improve their metabolism, mental activity, and quality of life.”

Participants noted the unique value of the foundation’s event. It does not simply raise awareness; it allows people with CF to do something physical to lessen their symptoms.

“Mauli Ola takes a truly creative approach to this cause—their events provide CF awareness, education, and a fun, physical activity approach that has a positive, direct effect on patients and their families,” said Carmen Reyes, CF nurse specialist and program care manager at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, who has screened CF patient candidates for surf days for several years. “These events bring families together while getting CF patients exposed to the sun, physically active, and in a saline environment, all of which are incredibly beneficial in managing their disease.”

The children met their surfboard instructors who explained the surfboards and how they would work together in the water. They walked to the ocean and waded into the water together. The surfing instructions were: Ian Walsh, Benji Wetherely, Noah Erickson, Kalani Robb, Kala Alexander, Brian "T-City" Ortega, Josh Baxter, Shawn Ward, and Bobby Friedman.

One child was very afraid of the waves previously, but during the last several events has now overcome her fears. She became the event’s leading surfer, standing solo on the board at least five times and finally standing on the shoulders of her instructor while both surfed to shore.

Brother and sister preschoolers stood on the same board, with the stabilizing hand of their instructor keeping the surfboard level during a more than 25-foot-trip to the shore. The smiles and excitement of all the children told their story.

A 4-year-old came up to Mauli Ola’s Bobby Serna, foundation surf experience director, insisting that Bobby get another surf instructor so she could go and surf again—after having been in the water for more than an hour earlier.

Getting Families Involved

The event aims to stimulate family outings involving similar activities for their CF children throughout the year. The children’s higher level of activity and acuity attests to the benefits of ocean-water surfing for this condition.

This was the second largest group of children the foundation has ever supported. The Texas seacoast is the next stop for the Mauli Ola Foundation surfers.