LAGUNA BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For most people, surfing is a fun sport. But for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients, it’s also therapy. That’s why Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the Mauli Ola Foundation and professional surfers from around the globe are teaming up this Saturday, July 30, to teach youngsters with CF how to ride the waves. Surf Experience Day instructors will include Kalani Robb, Kala Alexander, Teddy Navarro, Brian “T-City” Ortega, Josh Baxter, Sunny Garcia, Hans Hagen and Shawn Ward. The event will be held at Santa Monica State Beach, Parking lot 9, Tower 6 from 9 – noon PDT.
“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.”
CF is a life-threatening congenital disease that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract and other areas of the body. It requires rigorous daily treatments and an intensive regimen of medicines that help break up the mucus and allow patients to breathe easier. Research has shown that salty sea air provides similar benefits to the primary treatment for CF, hypertonic saline. In addition, the physical activity supports lung function, promotes physical and mental health, and provides a good source of vitamin D from the sunlight, which is very important for CF patients who also have issues with digestion.
“There is nothing that makes me happier than witnessing the first hand benefits that the ocean gives CF Patients. The CF/surf connection is truly amazing,” said James Dunlop, Mauli Ola President. “This is our 50th event and we are proud to be working together with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in making our Santa Monica event the best CF Surf Experience possible.”
In addition to the Surf Day Experience, surfers will visit CF patients at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles on Thurs., July 28 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. PDT. Patients will receive signature hats designed by Kalani Robb that can be personalized through art. The Mauli Ola pro surfers visiting the hospital include Kalani Robb, Kala Alexander, Teddy Navarro and Actor Michael Papajohn.
About Mauli Ola Foundation
The Mauli Ola Foundation was established in 2007 by James and Charles Dunlop of Ambry Genetics with the aim to of enlisting pro surfers to promote education and awareness of genetic diseases and increase research for genetic disorders; and to introduce surfing as a natural treatment option for CF Patients. To date, the Mauli Ola Foundation has taught hundreds of CF patients to surf through free events and hospital visited hundreds of patients around the United States. Saturday’s event will mark the 4th annual Surf Experience Day in Santa Monica and the Mauli Ola Foundation’s 50th Surf Experience Date nationwide. For more information, visit www.mauliola.org/events.html
About Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Children's Hospital Los Angeles has been named the best children’s hospital in California and among the best in the nation for clinical excellence with its selection to the prestigious US News & World Report Honor Roll. Children’s Hospital is home to The Saban Research Institute, one of the largest and most productive pediatric research facilities in the United States, is one of America's premier teaching hospitals and has been affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California since 1932.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is located at 4650 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90027. For more information, visit www.CHLA.org. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn, or visit our blog: www.WeAreCHLA.org.
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