“Even though I’m sick and dying, I don’t let it stop me from living my life.” ~ Bellamy

Last Wednesday, Ricochet surfed with 17 year old Savannah and 19 year old Bellamy Arterburn from Denver, Colorado. They both have the same terminal illness, Friedreich’s ataxia, a debilitating and degenerative neuro-muscular disorder with no treatment or cure. They traveled to San Diego to catch some waves with their favorite canine, as well as experience her paws-on healing.

Photo Credit: Rachel Jones Photography

Photo Credit: Rachel Jones Photography

Photo Credit: Gilda Adler Photography

Photo Credit: Rachel Jones Photography

Photo Credit: Gilda Adler Photography

Each sister took a turn being helped from their chair into the ocean, and onto the surfboard by Ricochet’s team of big-hearted water helpers.

Photo Credit: Gilda Adler Photography

In fact, 9 year old West, who has autism wanted to pay it forward from a surf session he had with Ricochet a few months prior. Having a child with special needs helping other kids with disabilities made it an even more magical occasion.

Photo Credit: Rachel Jones Photography

Photo Credit: Gilda Adler Photography

This was the first time the girls ever surfed, so safety was the first priority. It was made possible by the experienced and skilled water team.

Since the sisters have no body strength or muscle control, Ricochet positioned herself behind them to counter-balance the board and keep it afloat.  She gave them a chance to forget about their illness as they glided through several waves.

Photo Credit: Gilda Adler Photography

Then, Donovan took his turn surfing with Ricochet and stood up on his very first wave. It was the first time in a long time this single dad could leave his worries behind for a few moments.

Photo Credit: Gilda Adler Photography

Photo Credit: Gilda Adler Photography

Their smiles, screams and laughter were filled with exhilaration. “I’ve always wanted to surf and then I found out about Ricochet and it made it more special. It just felt so good, like I was free”, Bellamy said.
Savannah fell in the water once, and exclaimed “that was so cool. It was actually really exciting”.

While giving an interview to a news station, their father, Donovan had a huge smile on his face as he said “When Savannah fell off the board, I asked her if she needed to sit and rest, or did she want to go again. She said she was ready to go again!”

Photo Credit: Gilda Adler Photography

Then, Donovan took his turn surfing with Ricochet and stood up on his very first wave. It was the first time in a long time this single dad could leave his worries behind for a few moments.

Photo Credit: Rachel Jones Photography

Bellamy and Savannah said they felt a sense of empowerment, and also experienced Ricochet’s paws-on healing.

Photo Credit: Rachel Jones Photography

This surf session was the epitome of the healing power of the ocean… and the healing power of a dog!

Photo Credit: Rachel Jones Photography

Although surfing has been at the forefront of Ricochet’s work, it’s not the act of surfing that makes her interactions so life changing. It’s her powerful paws-on ability to make immediate, deep, heart-to-heart connections with the individuals she interacts with. She intuitively and empathically alerts to their emotional and physical changes, and then provides support and healing energy where it’s most needed.

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