July 29, 2016: A Family Day with the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation
This July 29th, the waves of the Atlantic along the Ocean City, NJ boardwalk will be home to the 13th Annual Chip Miller Surf Fest, a community-wide surf contest and family event that has grown to be one of the largest surf events on the East Coast attracting some of the biggest names in surfing such as, Bethany Hamilton, Brad Gerlach and Rob Machado. Local NJ pros have also joined in the fun: Dean Randazzo, Sam Hammer, Andrew Gesler and Matt Keenan.
This year, the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation (CMAF) will be expanding the event to include something new for 2016: “Slide for Amyloidosis.” – formerly known as the Surf Fest After Party, will be a family fun night at the OC, NJ waterpark that includes private access to the waterslides, dinner, drinks and a huge raffle.
Pre-registration prices are available for both events if registered early, please visit http://ChipMiller.org for more information and prices.
Proceeds from the surf and slide event will help the CMAF support Peter Dooley, an East Coast surfing pioneer and legend who has been stricken with an Amyloid-related disease. The foundation has donated money to cover necessary equipment for improving the quality of home healthcare for Mr. Dooley. CMAF is looking to support his aqua-therapy needs. As his physical abilities permit, Mr. Dooley is planning to attend the CMAF events. Peter stated the following: “Hard for me to fathom. I have been in business since I was about twenty years old and I have always been the ‘sponsor’ of events, of surfers and the needs of friends. I don’t know how to respond to your kindness. Thanks to the board and their graciousness.”
In looking ahead to this year’s Surf Fest, CMAF Board President and son of the late Chip Miller, Lance Miller notes: “I have always been overwhelmed with the amount of local support that the Surf Fest receives.” Miller continues, “We started this event 13 years ago and it has truly grown into a community event. This year, we are proud to have the opportunity to give back to someone who has been a long-time supporter of the surf community.”
“Peter Dooley has influenced many over the years and this is just one way that the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation can make a difference in the life of someone inflicted with an Amyloid-related disease. It allows those who participate to see first-hand where the money we raise is going,” says Miller.
The Surf Fest and the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation (www.chipmiller.org) were created in memory of Chip Miller in 2004. Just a few short months after Chip was diagnosed with Amyloidosis, the world lost an incredibly special person.
In his memory, Chip Miller’s family and friends founded the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation to empower people with the knowledge and understanding of Amyloidosis — for earlier detection, ensuring a better quality of life for those afflicted with the disease, and to help science find the cure.
What Everyone Should Know
Amyloidosis occurs when enough abnormal protein, called amyloid, builds up in one or more organs to cause a malfunction. As an abnormal protein, amyloid originates in bone marrow. The heart, kidneys, nervous system and gastrointestinal tract are most often affected by the disease.
Signs and symptoms of amyloidosis depend on the organs affected. The wide range of symptoms makes it difficult to diagnose. For more information about amyloidosis – including signs/symptoms — visit the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation website http://chipmiller.org/about_amyloid.php.
The mission of the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation is to empower people with the knowledge and understanding of amyloidosis for earlier detection, ensuring a better quality of life for those afflicted with the disease and to help science find the cures. To learn more about amyloidosis and to make a donation to the Chip Miller Charitable Foundation, visit our site at www.ChipMiller.org.
For more information about the Foundation, to make donations or purchase pins, please call or visit our Web site (www.ChipMiller.org).
WEATHER ADVISORY: We are watching the weather closely, it appears Friday could have heavy thunder and lightning along with heavy rain. We are considering hosting the contest on Saturday – July 30th. A final call will be made on this at 5pm on Thursday – please check the www.ChipMiller.org website for the latest details!
