Galveston – On this Feel Good Friday, a story that will warm your heart and remind you of the incredible power of inclusion and joy. Waves of Impact is making a big splash in Galveston by bringing the thrill of surfing to children with exceptional challenges. Through their surf camps, kids can ride the waves and build confidence in ways they normally wouldn’t.
We had the privilege of meeting AAsher, a remarkable fourteen-year-old boy with Down syndrome, and his mother. Their touching story sheds light on how this organization is creating positive change in the lives of children with disabilities and their families. You can see the joy on his face as he has been riding the wave with the organization’s help for many years.
“The water is magical, and it has healing powers for everybody,” said the Waves of Impact Director Ashley Arce.
For Arce, her love of surfing is not just a hobby, but a heartwarming connection with her family. When her quadriplegic cousins visited the beach, Waves of Impact was right next to her with love and support so they could experience the joy of surfing.
The surf camps are usually held at Porretto Beach, a family-friendly privately owned beach for recreational and community purposes. According to Arce, the Porretto family has been amazing in providing the organization with a secluded and inclusive environment for disabled children. For some families, the space gives them a feeling of peace and allows them to enjoy family time with peace.
The surf camps have become a symbol of the strength of inclusion, joy, and transformation, gaining immense popularity within the local community. In fact, so popular that registration closes within hours of opening. While all the spots are filled up, parents can add their child’s name to the waitlist for the upcoming surf camps on September 20 and 21.
Watch the uplifting story in the video above. If you get inspired by their story and want to enjoy a day on the beach, Waves of Impact needs at least one hundred compassionate volunteers. Sign up here to volunteer for Wave of Impact Galveston surf camps.