I first heard about ASH years ago from a friend but was busy with work, family and other volunteer activities. After my kids all left for college and beyond there was a hole left as my volunteering mostly left with them (coaching soccer, school activities, other sports, etc.)
I’ve found ASH to be such a rewarding fit. Surfing, helping others, spending time with great people, I couldn’t ask for more! Whether it’s DATB, mounded warriors or other events, every time I end a day I have love and gratitude in my heart, also sometimes a sunburn, and have made new memories and new friends. I can’t say enough about all the people that make this organization possible.
There have been so many special moments. Meeting Buster and all the ‘regulars’, taking a 70 year old Hawaiian woman surfing for her first time and being pushed into her first wave by my son as his first volunteer job with ASH. Taking Kai, an amazing young man from Washington out for his first time. To my amazement, Kai couldn’t wait to stand up on every wave. I was more than a little surprised as Kai had no legs and just one arm. So many great memories. One needs to look no further than ASH to know that aloha truly lives and is strong. I am thankful for all that the volunteers, the ASH team and all the participants have given me and hope to continue with this ohana for as long as possible.
