Woonsocket, RI (PRWEB) September 27, 2013
Autism is currently the fastest growing developmental disability, with a growth rate of 1,148 percent, according to the Autism Society.
It is a complex condition for which there is known cause or cure. “The demands of living with a person with autism are great, and families frequently experience high levels of stress,” the organization shares.
But for 180 autistic children and their families, the Surfers Healing RI surf camp on September 14 was a day to escape their daily struggles and join together as a community. Participants were paired with professional surfers from across the country as they took to the waters of Narragansett Beach and learned to surf.
Surfing has been a deeply therapeutic and liberating activity for Surfers Healing Founders Izzy and Danielle Paskowitz’s autistic son, Isaiah. In 2000, they began hosting day camps across the country in the hopes that other autistic children would benefit from the activity. Today, as Yahoo News reports, “Surfers Healing gives 3,000 kids a year in 22 camps across the country the opportunity to feel the same calm and joy Isaiah felt.”
Allison Smith’s twin boys Brennan and Brody felt just that at the RI camp. She shares, “As a parent of first-time surfers, I completely underestimated what this day would mean to our family. Watching my sweet little boys who struggle every single day SURF was the most powerful thing that I have ever experienced as their mom. The moment I handed Brennan and Brody over to the volunteers, their faces lit up with joy. When they hit the water with their new surfer friends, their happiness radiated."
First-time participant Quin Abramek also enjoyed the surf camp experience. He kept saying he wanted a “big wave,” his mother, Mary-Ellen shares. "There were no judgements, it was all incredibly heartwarming. Quin had an amazing ride and we had an amazing day as a family! We can't wait for next year!”
And the future looks bright for the RI camp, which began with 60 autistic children in 2009. It has since tripled in size, with a growing waiting list. All surf camp expenses are fully covered by volunteer fundraising efforts. This makes the experience possible for many families.
This year, Aidance Skincare was proud to sponsor the Surfers Healing day camp and introduce local autistic children to the natural therapy of surfing. Aidance believes strongly in the healing power of nature. The company’s unique topical remedies blend natural and organic ingredients to treat a range of skin conditions.
Local families are already looking forward to next year’s event, where they can count on encouragement, adventure and lasting memories.
"We had an amazing day in the most typical sense: fun without stress or drama - just plain laughing, running, getting covered in sand and salt water, which is what makes it even more wonderful,” said Sharon Schubert. Her 15-year-old autistic son, Joey participated for a fifth year.
About Aidance Skincare
Aidance Skincare is a Woonsocket, RI based company that provides all-natural therapeutic skincare remedies to customers and physicians in more than 150 countries. Aidance has consistently helped families solve their most challenging skin problems quickly and safely, using the finest ingredients. For more information, please call 877-424-3262 or visit http://www.AidanceProducts.com.
