Two years ago, a brain tumor operation left Haley Tyrrell in a wheelchair. On Saturday, the 7-year-old climbed onto a surfboard, caught a few waves and flashed a shaka sign.
"I standed up," Haley said. "And I also had two wipeouts."
About 60 volunteers helped about 60 kids like Haley and their siblings from 25 families surf at Kuhio Beach on Saturday during the eighth annual Surf 4 HUGS surf day.
"It’s just amazing to see her on the board today," said Haley’s mother, Wendy Cockshell, whose eyes welled with tears at the sight. "This little girl can do anything."
It was a bright spot in a dark week for Haley and her family, who received news that she will remain on chemotherapy for another three years.
For the patients and families, the surf activity for families of children with life-threatening illnesses — one of 10 core HUGS events — means much more.
For cancer patient T.J. Colby, everyone there was like family. The personable 16-year-old made sure to say "Hi, auntie," to Ana Likio, whose 11-year-old daughter, Ema, and he were hospitalized at the same time eight years ago.
Likio said HUGS, which stands for Help, Understanding and Group Support, has done a lot for her entire family, including sponsoring a moms’ night, a peer support group.
Ema, diagnosed with leukemia at age 5 months, had complications from treatment resulting in brain damage, and is only now starting to talk, saying one to three words at a time.
The 6-foot-3 Colby lunched with his two volunteer surf instructors.
"These guys are like the greatest family," he said. "They’re always here to give me a hug."
Rocky Matsuura, 54, who has volunteered for several years, said: "It’s about the kids having a good time, getting away, forgetting about the sickness. They don’t even realize they’re sick once they hit the water. These kids tell you they love you, and a tear come out of your eye."
Kalima Kaohelaulii, 59, a seven-year HUGS volunteer, said, "It’s healing for us. In a way, you’re donating to the universe. You watch their eyes light up, your eyes tear."
Alana Valeria-Matsumoto, 13, said her parents miss a lot of her school events since they spend most of their time caring for her 1-year-old sister, who has a heart defect.
"It’s OK," said the teen, who caught a "pretty good" wave Saturday. "It’s not like I’m a little kid who doesn’t understand and think my parents don’t pay attention to me."
Augusto Balmores, whose 6-year-old daughter, Annika, was diagnosed at 3 months with an aggressive form of leukemia, said, "We were scared. We didn’t know if she was going to make it."
He spent the day at the beach with his family, who loves HUGS.
He said the surf event and others like a dads’ support group gives them a chance to talk about their children.
"They feel you, and we feel their pain," he said.
Balmores said HUGS is supportive. "They do respite twice a month, like a day care, and we parents have a chance to go out," he said. "They have lots of goodies."
Annika and brother Armand, 4, got to surf and play in the water with brother Austin, 20, by their side.
Rainbow Drive-In donated lunches and Coca-Cola donated drinks for the free event. Children and teens all received surf trophies, knit caps and T-shirts.
The surf event was founded by Torrey and Leila Thomas, whose parents, Brett and Dee Thomas, wanted their children to learn to give back to those in need.
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