(Pismo Beach, CA) - On Saturday, June 29, 10 Valley Children’s childhood cancer survivors experienced the therapy of riding waves in Pismo Beach with Surfing For Hope, a non-profit organization created to help ease the difficulty of cancer through the healing powers of the ocean life. Beyond getting a day to unplug and learn to surf, these childhood cancer survivors found and developed bonds with each other.
Jakob was one of the childhood cancer survivors who experienced this trip and Jakob’s mother, Amanda, shared with us truly how impactful the weekend was.
“Jakob said he had a blast and is looking forward to it next year,” shared Amanda. “He also said that even though he just met these survivors for the first time, it felt like his ‘second family’ and that they were all bonded through their shared experience with cancer. Everyone was welcoming and so nice. He said it was one of the best days he ever had and hopes to be involved in any other events in the future. Thank you so much for providing this experience for him! As a mother, it makes my heart so happy for him to know that there are adults like him that have survived a pediatric cancer and are thriving.”
Jakob, along with the other survivors, benefited from a donation presented by another local non-profit, Survivor Squad, which presented a gift last month that financially supported the Surfing for Hope weekend. Survivor Squad founder, Peyman Modhaddam, is a former Valley Children’s patient and member of our Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program. He also attended the Surfing for Hope weekend.
"As a fellow Valley Children’s cancer survivor and the founder of Survivor Squad, it was a validating experience as I begin my venture down the non-profit side of cancer survivorship,” says Peyman. “As a survivor, it was an opportunity to exchange support and create a personal sense of belonging. As a founder, it was a reminder of the importance of survivorship and the continued dedication to helping young adult cancer survivors live their best lives. Such an uplifting and inspirational experience to interact with so many cancer survivors."
To learn more about the Valley Children’s Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program, visit valleychildrens.org/survivorship.