Young Cancer Survivors Surf and Paddle Back to Joy

Ten-year-old Randy Reina shouted "We're beating them!" as his outrigger canoe pulled ahead across Upper Newport Bay, adjusting his paddle for a powerful stroke. Three years ago, leukemia left him too weak to do anything, much less race other kids on the water.

Randy joined about 20 young cancer survivors and their siblings for Miracles for Kids' Surf & Paddle Summer Camp this week in Orange County, California. The free program includes surfing at Bolsa Chica State Beach and paddling sessions designed to bring joy back to children who battled serious illness.

Board member and surfer Tom Swanecamp created the program 15 years ago after recognizing the "healing characteristics of being on the water." For many of the low-income families the Irvine nonprofit supports, he says it's become the "highlight of the summer."

For Randy's mother Maribel Reina, watching her son paddle with vigor and laughter feels like a blessing. Doctors in Tijuana told them three years ago there was nothing more they could do and recommended treatment at Children's Hospital of Orange County. The family now lives in Miracles for Kids' supportive housing in Orange, making Randy's care possible.

Nine-year-old Raylee Osuna knows what it's like to leave the water behind. After her leukemia diagnosis, she had to abandon her favorite pastime of hosting pool parties for friends. "You can't even be near water because you get infections," her mother Clarissa Osuna explained.

After a liver transplant, Raylee returned to being a playful and bubbly child. The camp session marked her triumphant return to the water she once loved.

Sunny's Take

The program gives exhausted parents a complete day off, knowing their kids are safe and happy. Some parents choose to join the action instead, paddling alongside children who prove every day that resilience looks like laughter on the water.

"Getting out and doing these things, we try to take advantage of every opportunity we get," Osuna said.