Surf Therapy - The Natural Way to Beat Cystic Fibrosis One Day at a Time with Mauli Ola and SafeGrom

Feb 13 , 2020

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Trevor Wong

Surf Therapy - The Natural Way to Beat Cystic Fibrosis One Day at a Time with Mauli Ola and SafeGrom

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited genetic disease that interferes with the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems of the body.  The mutation of a specific gene (the CFTR) causes the production of a sticky, thick mucus.  This builds up and clogs the small airways that carry harmful bacteria out of the body causing serious infection and putting constant stress on the immune system.  

Living with Cystic Fibrosis

Medical advances means better and more effective treatments are available today to help children and adults with cystic fibrosis live more comfortably. But effective management of the disease requires a variety of medications that are costly; treatment regimens are demanding, and depending on the extent and severity of the disease, normal childhood activities are often disrupted by daily therapy and lengthy hospital admissions.  

Natural Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis Relief

Thankfully though medication is not the only treatment for Cystic Fibrosis.  Research from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) is showing that young surfers with cystic fibrosis had significantly healthier lungs than normal children with cystic fibrosis.  The doctors determined that inhaling salt water mist has a powerful effect on rehydrating the lining of lungs and allowing Cystic Fibrosis patients to more easily remove bacteria-contaminated mucus.  

The Mauli Ola Foundation

Maui Ola Foundation

The Mauli Ola Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing hope and confidence to individuals living with genetic diseases.  Harnessing the healing powers of the ocean, the Mauli Ola Foundation promotes surfing and ocean-based activities as natural therapies.  

The goal for the Mauli Ola Foundation is that these salt water experiences not only reduce hospital visits but expose children to a healthy lifestyle leading to a more fulfilling life that all kids should experience.  

“The surf experience day gave our family an opportunity to forget the daily demands that this disease has on us.
- Martha

There are two ocean experiences that the Mauli Ola Foundation hosts.

Surf Day Experience

 

The Mauli Ola Foundation was started to take kids with Cystic Fibrosis surfing so they can experience what natural therapies can do for their lungs.  Not only will they feel the saline content in the ocean air and water break down congestion in their lungs, the exersize will also help them to strengthen their lungs and expel mucous.  

“I leave from a surf session with the ability to take a deep breath and the satisfaction that I just conquered Cystic Fibrosis for the day.” 
- Caleb
 
Click to view the upcoming Mauli Ola Surf Days

Ocean Experience Days

The Mauli Ola Foundation hosts Ocean Experience Days as a supplement to their Surf Day Experiences.  Instead of surfing, they offer outrigger canoe rides, paddle boarding and boogie boarding as healthy and fun alternatives when our participants are not physically capable of surfing or when the weather does not cooperate with their event schedule.  Participants still receive the physical and therapeutic benefits of being in and around the ocean.  

"The Mauli Ola Foundation gives our Cystic Fibrosis patients the opportunity to better understand how both exercise and exposure to salty water can help them improve their health.”

- Dr. Bruce Ong, Chief of Pediatric Pulmonology, Tripler Army Medical Center

Support the Mauli Ola Foundation

The SafeGrom StokeVests were created to maximize the stoke and safety of children in the ocean and so it's a no-brainer that we'd come alongside Mauli Ola in advancing their mission.  SafeGrom is proud to provide StokeVests for their Surf Day Experiences.  

"Having a specialized product for getting kids into and out of the water is a game changer for us.  It takes our surf experiences to the next level and In one day, we can see the confidence in our kids grow in their surf ability and also their ability to battle CF."   

- Hans Hagen, Executive Director of Mauli Ola Foundation

If you would also like to support Mauli Ola, here is a link to visit their webiste and Support Mauli Ola.   

For more information about SafeGrom and the StokeVest, visit us at our website or contact Tim Ryan at tim@safegrom.com


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