Mauli Ola Foundation Kicks Off 2015 Season To Support Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
The Mauli Ola Foundation (MOF) will launch its 2015 tour to honor Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month in May with the first Surf Experience Day (SED) in Waikiki, Hawaii having just kicked off this last weekend on May 2, 2015. Sunny Garcia, the MOF Ambassador, has partnered with Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa in order to host both the SED and a private reception.
“Mauli Ola” is the Hawaiian expression for “breath of life.” MOF is sending its world-class surfing Ambassadors nationwide to serve as hosts for the SEDs and to suggest surfing as a therapy that is natural and might help children suffering with cystic fibrosis (CF). The high salinity present in ocean water that becomes aspirated and breathed in while surfing breaks down the mucus in the lungs and allows children with CF to breathe more easily and have fun at the same time. The program is also designed to get children into the water even if they are unable to surf. The MOF Ambassadors visit children’s hospitals to spend time with those that cannot go to the beach.
“I’m excited about these upcoming events. It’s a huge honor to be inducted into the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame, but even more fulfilling to know that the life surfing has given me can actually help someone living with cystic fibrosis breathe better,” said MOF Ambassador Sunny Garcia, the Hawaiian World Champion.
The 2015 national tour starts on the Hawaiian Island of O’ahu, the birthplace of surfing, and it will continue to California; under the title “Humuhumunukunukuapua’a Tour” it will honor Hawaii’s state fish. The second stop on the tour is the Surfing Dog’s SED in Del Mar on May 16, and Santa Cruz for Richard Schmidt’s SED on May 23. Many more events are planned as well and can be found here.
“It’s amazing to witness what riding a wave can do for the human spirit, but hearing the consistent testimonials from the families about lung function improvement — now that’s a miracle,” said Hans Hagen, MOF Executive Director.
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“We are honored and excited to continue our support for the CF community. We look forward to seeing familiar faces and meet new folks this season,” added MOF President James Dunlop.
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