ALISO VIEJO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--From August 6-28, 2015 the Mauli Ola Foundation will be on its annual East Coast Tour from Texas to New York. This year’s tour is called “The Humuhumunukunukuapua’a Tour,” named after Hawaii’s state fish (try saying that three times quickly!). The East Coast Tour involves Surf Experience Days (SEDs), pediatric hospital visits, and awareness events.
Mauli Ola’s SEDs get children with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) into the ocean, which is high in saline. These elevated saline levels naturally lubricate the body’s airway, which breaks up congestion in the lungs and allows it to be expelled. By taking advantage of natural saltwater therapies like surfing, those with CF can have a chance for improved lung function, better health, and an overall increased quality of life.
At Mauli Ola’s SEDs, kids with CF get out into the water for complimentary professional, one-on-one surf lessons with some of the best surfers in the world. Mauli Ola’s surfing ambassadors include Sunny Garcia, Kala Alexander, Ulu “Boy” Napeahi, Kiana Fores, Hans Hagen, Teddy Navarro, Sam Hammer, Jason “Mags” Magallanes, CJ Kanuha, Ben Bourgeois, Cliff Skudin, and Will Skudin.
So far, Mauli Ola Foundation has held over 82 SEDs for over 2,000 people with CF and other genetic conditions. SEDs for the East Coast Tour include:
- Morgan Faulkner: Saturday, August 8 in Port Aransas, TX; Sunday, August 9 in Galveston, TX; Wednesday, August 12 in Pensacola, FL
- Todd Holland: Saturday, August 15 in Cocoa Beach, FL; Saturday, August 22 in Wrightsville Beach, NC
- Michael Dunphy: Tuesday, August 25 in Virginia Beach, VA
- Sam Hammer: Thursday, August 27 in Springlake, NJ
- Our final SED takes place Friday, August 28 in Long Beach, NY
We are also holding two “Humu Jams” awareness/ fundraiser events themed after our “Humuhumunukunukuapua’a Tour.” The first will held August 22 from 7-10 PM at King Neptune, Wrightsville Beach, NC. The second will be held Aug 28 from 7-10 PM at The Inn, Long Beach, NY. Both fun-filled nights feature live music, an auction, and raffles.
“We are excited for the wheels to hit the ground on this 6th annual national tour to support these families. It feels good to have us all come together,” says Hans Hagen, MOF Director. “This is a great opportunity to share our knowledge and passion of the ocean in and out of the water.”
Special thanks goes out to our national sponsors: Ambry Genetics, Flexfit, Chiesi, Go Pro, Da Hui, Turtle Bay Resort, Shaka Wear, Pinnacle Group, Volcom, Moya Brand and all the others who have donated to support the mission.
About the Mauli Ola Foundation:
The Mauli Ola Foundation (MOF) was organized to promote education, awareness of genetic diseases and to increase research for genetic disorders. The MOF raises funds to support programs for kids and adults with life-threatening illnesses and disabilities through social events such as music concerts, sports tournaments, galas, and other great events. We want to provide a direct and immediate option for children with genetic disorders an enjoyable and healthy way of life through natural treatments. To learn more about the Mauli Ola Foundation, please visit www.mauliola.org.
