CF Surf Experience Day at the Haleiwa Beach Park

On December 7th 2008 The Mauli Ola Foundation "Breath of Life" presented its first Hawaiian Surf Experience Day at the Haleiwa Beach Park on Oahu's prestigious North Shore to benefit children and young adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). The purpose of the event was to introduce the connection between surfing and CF since it has been suggested that exposure to salt water helps as a natural therapy to assist in the breakdown of mucus in the lungs of patients with CF for easy release, much like the therapy given to most CF patients in a hospital setting. Seven kids and young adults took part in the exciting event ranging from 12-25 years of age. The event was sponsored by Volcom and Da Hui whom generously provided world class surf instructors and great product giveaways for all the participants and their families. A big Aloha goes out to Buttons (Kaluhiokalani ) Surf School and Ash Marzouki from Hawaii Waves Surf School for sponsoring the event with legendary surf instruction and surf equipment. Also sponsoring the event was Ambry Genetics from Aliso Viejo, CA, the world leader in diagnostic genetic testing of CF. Ambry Genetics was founded by two brothers who also surf, Charles and James Dunlop. When Charles and James learned that the rich saline environment of the ocean was suggested to act as a natural treatment for CF patients it became apparent that getting kids and young adults in the ocean was a new mission for them.