HONOLULU -- Tripler Army Medical Center, also known as TAMC, hosted the Mauli Ola Foundation (MOF) Dec. 7 as the foundation visited child-age patients with Cystic Fibrosis and Cancer.
The MOF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hope and confidence to individuals living with genetic diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis. The goal of the organization is to harness the healing powers of the ocean and introduce surfing and other ocean-based activities as a natural therapy.
"The foundation started off with CF, but they are now expanding to other genetic diseases," said Julie Kalakau, TAMC Child Life Specialist. Its great see them evolve in order to reach more affected children in different disorders."
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes a buildup of mucus that affects many different systems in the body. People with cystic fibrosis are at greater risk of getting lung infections because thick, sticky mucus builds up in their lungs, allowing germs to thrive and multiply. Infections and complications associated with the disease cause illness and hospitalizations.
After finding a research article that provided scientific support that ocean water provides natural therapy for people with CF, James and Charles Dunlop, founders of Ambry Genetics, were inspired and in 2008 created The Mauli Ola Foundation.
"This can really be an isolating disease," said Kalakau. "Most patients have to have three treatments or more every day which can consume up to three hours a day, makes it difficult to be anything other than kids with CF. They don't get the opportunity to be normal kids and this foundation gives them opportunity to safely participate in an activity with other children with CF."
For the past eight years MOF has been conducted their biannual visit of patients at TAMC as well as their Surf Experience Day activity where they take patients with CF, and other major diseases, along with their family members for a day on the ocean surfing, kayaking and paddle boarding.
"These kids have such a tough life and for that day or the time we are in the water, they can forget about all the tribulations, treatments and can be normal kids," said Kala Alexander, Vice President of the Mauli Ola Foundation.
Although the foundation has helped thousands of children throughout the U.S., they continue to grow and are now conducting visits and Surf Days in multiple countries around the world.
"CF isn't just in the U.S.", said Alexander. "There are children around the world that could benefit from what we do. When you are sick, morale is super important and that is what our foundation offers these kids and their families."
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