Its been pretty awesome to see it all happen...and see CF really get some awareness :)
Check out this link to see a web-video that the local orange county newspaper (OC Register) made- it has clips from that nights event:
http://link.brightcove.com/
Next is an article that ran in the OC Register about Pipeline, on July 19th (I couldn't figure out the link, so I copied it below)...
~Em
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Cystic fibrosis patients find relief in the sea
Surfing event today in Huntington will put participants in what’s been found to be a natural aid: salt water.
By CHRIS DAINES THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Through surfing, doctors in Australia have discovered one of the most effective treatments available to cystic-fibrosis patients – salt water.
“It’s not a cure, but it is the most effective therapy that CF sufferers have ever had,” said Paul Motenko from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Cystic fibrosis, a genetically inherited disease, affects organs in the human body by interrupting the ability to carry salt and water to and from cells. This causes a buildup of mucus, eventually creating scar tissue that damages organs and limits sufferers’ ability to breathe.
Doctors observed that patients with the disease who surfed were healthier than those who did not. Clinical studies, completed with support from the foundation, proved that surfing indeed helped patients. Saltwater treatments are now regularly given to patients around the world.
Surfing legend and Dana Point local Mickey Muñoz found out about the breakthrough and felt inspired to help.
“Surfing is the fountain of youth. I built a lot of boats and boards in my days and inhaled a lot of toxic fumes, so I could empathize on that level,” Muñoz said.
The foundation introduced Muñoz to cystic fibrosis patient Emily Haager, 24, of Diamond Bar. The disease lessens Haager’s ability to breathe, leaving her with only 65 percent of typical lung capacity compared with other adults her age. She has been surfing regularly for about a year and was very excited to get the chance to surf with Muñoz.
“When I’m in the water my lungs clear out, I breathe a lot deeper and I feel great afterwards,” Haager said. “Mickey has years of knowledge and wisdom. I love hearing about his surfing adventures.”
Muñoz and surfers Laird Hamilton, Jericho Poppler and Dave Kalama are all backing the foundation’s inaugural Pipeline to a Cure fundraiser being held today at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach.
“This is the first time that participation in a sport has been found to be beneficial to a fatal genetic disease. Once surfers understood the sport they loved – along with its healing and spiritual elements – also helped to relieve CF, they rallied behind us like you wouldn’t believe,” Motenko said.
The foundation’s event is raising money to aid in the funding of research, treatment and an eventual cure.
“This seems like such a natural cause for surfers to get behind,” Muñoz said.
About cystic fibrosis
Every year, 1,000 new cases are diagnosed. In 2006, the median life span for sufferers was 37. It clogs lungs and leads to lung infections. It stops enzymes from helping the body digest correctly. Source: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Pipeline to a Cure
What: Inaugural fundraiser sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and PacSun When: 6 p.m. today Where: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Events: Silent auction, dinner, dancing, live auction and an acoustic performance by Social Distortion
Tickets and information: pipelinetoacure.com
CONTACT THE WRITER:
9 1 9-492-5 1 35 or cdaines@ocregsiter.com
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