Local charity teaches kids suffering from cancer how to surf

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. (WWAY) — An area charity made the day of several children who are dealing with a major illness.

Indo Jax Surf Charities held the second and final night of the 10th Annual Childhood Cancer Surf Event in Memory of Donnalee Wilcox event on Wednesday at Wrightsville Beach.

A total of 19 kids took part, getting lessons on how to surf. That includes those who had or currently have cancer as well as their siblings.

Charity Director Dave French says it is very rewarding to give them a chance to have fun in the ocean.

“The smiles on these kids’ faces are life changing,” French said. “Not only for us as instructors, but for moms, dads, grandparents, caregivers. The reaction that they have on us is probably just as big as the sense of joy that they feel by being able to surf.”