CF and Surfing

Riding her new Roxy board

One last Hug before she hit the water


A few years ago, a team of Australian doctors discovered that the lung function in many young surfers who had cystic fibrosis was a lot higher than CF patients who were not out in the ocean water. After much research the doctors determined that inhaling saltwater mist had positive and powerful effects on re hydrating the lungs and allowing CF patients to breathe easier. As a mother of a 9 year old cystic patient I have been able to experience this powerful salt water miracle first hand. On a recent surf outing in Huntington Beach with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Taylor had yet another opportunity to go out in water and do her thing. She morphs into a completely different child...confident and strong, fierce and determined, and a child who can breathe. I watch my little blondie cough up bubble gum sized balls of mucous and take some very much needed and deserved deep breaths for the first time in days. Her eyes sparkle and she glows, and her cheeks go pale to rosy pink. The power of oxygen, something so many of us take for granted. She is happiest out in the water and wants to grow up and be a marine biologist. Because of organizations like the CF Foundation, Mauli Ola and the generosity of random folks like Barbara Caruso, Bill Sharpe, former pro surfer and coach of the South African National Surf Team, and Judy Burlingham who have all pitched in to make sure Taylor has the warmest wetsuit, the coolest custom board and the safest environment to surf in, my baby girl can breathe.