I thought I'd share some pictures with you from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Pipeline to a Cure Stand Up Paddle event I went to this past Sunday as an Ambassador for NEXT by Athena. For those of you unfamiliar with Pipeline to a Cure:
The goal of the Pipeline To A Cure is to increase awareness and funding for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by rallying the surfing and action sports world. Since 1955 the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has worked to assure the development of the means to cure and control CF and to improve the quality of life for those born with the disease.
In recent years, doctors in Australia realized that cystic fibrosis patients who surfed had significantly healthier lungs than non-surfing CF patients. They found that the inhalation of saltwater mist hydrates the lining of the lungs and actually assists in the elimination of bacteria-laden mucus. As a result of this discovery, a hypertonic saline solution was developed to mimic a “surf session” for CF patients to use on a daily basis. We all know that surfing is great for the body and soul, but in this case, it actually helps fight the disabling effects of cystic fibrosis for thousands of children.
We really lucked-out with the weather (the weekend before was FREEZING) which made the day so enjoyable. What could be better than hanging out at the beach? Above is a picture of me with Dave Kalama (World Champion of surf, SUP, and outrigger canoe) and Suzanne Yeo who is my fellow NEXT by Athena Ambassador, a SUP Instructor, and yoga instructor.
Above on the left is Lisa Vogel who is one of the co-presidents of RAJ Manufacturing which designs, manufactures, and markets swimwear for high profile brands such as Athena, NEXT by Athena, Luxe by Lisa Vogel, Ella Moss, Splendid Swim, Guess Swimwear, Hurley Swimwear, St. Johns Swim, Reef Swimwear, and Nautica Swim. I feel really lucky to be associated with RAJ and NEXT by Athena.
During the event all of us were commenting about how awesome the music was. The music was provided by the Kalama Brothers (click here for more information) and had that awesome laid-back Hawaiian feel. I had to laugh when during one of their breaks I realized that I knew one of the brothers, Ryan, from when my son was younger and he taught his Gymboree class. It was fun to reminisce with Ryan and meet his brother Kai. I am expecting big things from these brothers (Kai was on season 8 of American Idol).
We finished off the afternoon by taking a quick SUP class from Suzanne. I had been wanting to try SUP for years and absolutely loved it. I am looking forward to getting out there and practicing.
Please consider supporting Pipline for a Cure. What an amazing cause.
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Gretchen Tseng is a Nutrition Specialist with Certification in Plant-Based Nutrition through Cornell University. At a young age she experienced a series of illnesses which propelled her to seek nutrition based solutions. Gretchen is absolutely passionate about sharing the health benefits of a plant-based lifestyle and can be found doing so through her website Veggie Grettie (www.veggiegrettie.com ), as a Columnist for Chic Vegan (www.chicvegan.com ), and as a freelance writer. In addition to being a nutrition nut, Gretchen is a fitness fanatic and is thrilled to be a Brand Ambassador for a clothing line that she wears and loves, NEXT by Athena. Gretchen lives in Southern California with her husband, two children, and 4 legged best bud and dreams of living on a farm someday surrounded by animals and an amazing organic garden.
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