Ricochet, with her seven years of expertise in creating empowering surfing experiences for individuals with disabilities, embarked on a groundbreaking adventure – surfing with a child who faced the unique challenge of not being able to breathe independently. In the heartwarming images, notice three-year-old Bailey’s mother holding her breathing machine with a radiant smile as Bailey conquers the waves!
Bailey lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a condition that diminishes physical strength by affecting motor nerve cells in the spinal cord. This results in the loss of fundamental abilities like standing, sitting, crawling, walking, swallowing, and breathing. SMA stands as the leading genetic cause of infant mortality, and Bailey has the most severe type, Type I SMA.
In a remarkable event organized by Ricochet and Cure SMA, Bailey, along with other children facing SMA challenges, shattered barriers during a special surf session. To accommodate the unique needs of children who struggle to hold their heads up, a bath chair was ingeniously attached to the surfboard, ensuring both comfort and safety.
A dedicated team of skilled volunteers, along with Ricochet, ensured that the participants with SMA experienced the thrill of a lifetime while prioritizing safety, especially considering the profound disabilities of the children. Some, like Bailey, have a tracheostomy, a surgical procedure to aid breathing, which made the water team extra cautious to prevent aspiration pneumonia.
Strategically navigating shallow waters, the team lowered the board when a small wave arrived, with a volunteer holding onto the back, safely guiding it to shore. This meticulous protocol aimed to keep water away from the children while providing them with an enriching surfing encounter with Ricochet.
Bailey’s sister, five-year-old Riley, who also has Type II SMA, expressed her eagerness to be the first to surf with Ricochet despite her physical challenges. For these children with SMA, transitioning from a stroller filled with gear to a surfboard filled with joy opened up possibilities they and their parents never thought possible.
While less severely disabled children ventured further into the water, the team, with a volunteer on board and ready, maintained an unwavering commitment to safety. Five-year-old Logan, equipped with goggles, eagerly called for more waves, demonstrating the contagious joy of the experience.
Despite the challenges of SMA, children like five-year-old Avery, with Type II SMA, showcased that their ability to think, learn, and dream remains untouched. Even 23-year-old Robyn, with Type II SMA, participated, creating a day filled with yawns and smiles, a perfect celebration of their resilience.
These remarkable individuals, echoing Ricochet’s indomitable spirit, proved that anything is possible. Through sharing this inspirational story, Ricochet aimed to raise awareness of SMA, acknowledging the unwavering spirit that resides within these children, a spirit far stronger than the limitations of their bodies.
The non-profit organization Puppy Prodigies, supported by highly skilled watermen and women, ensures that safety, skills, and experience are prioritized in their unique work with surfing, dog handling, and the disabled community. With insurance covering Ricochet, participants, and volunteers, the organization adheres to high standards, allowing them to provide surf sessions with utmost conviction.
A heartfelt thank you was extended to Cure SMA, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, and the parents for entrusting Ricochet with their children. Ricochet felt honored to contribute to raising awareness of SMA and encouraged everyone to join her by sharing this uplifting story of children whose spirits transcend the limitations of their bodies.
