By Maddy Vitale
The 16th Annual Chip Miller Surf Fest brought more than 200 surfers out with their families Friday morning to the 7th Street surfing beach in Ocean City to help raise awareness and funds for Amyloidosis research.
It was just one of three big events planned in memory of Miller, who raised his family in Ocean City.
After the Surf Fest, the fundraiser was heading to OC Waterpark for a night of food, partying and a host of rides.
On Sunday, there will be a Skate Fest fundraiser held by the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation beginning at 11 a.m. at the Ocean City Skate Park.
Miller was diagnosed in 2004 with Amyloidosis, a rare disease which occurs when abnormal protein, called amyloid, builds up in one or more organs causing a malfunction. A few months later, he passed away.
For Lance Miller, of Ocean City, Chip Miller’s son, every event that helps keep his father’s memory alive, and possibly helps someone else who suffers with the disease, is an important day.
“I said to God, ‘My dad is looking down on us,”‘ Miller said as he watched surfers take to the water. “We lucked out today. Everyone came out. The weather is perfect.”
Surfers said the waves Friday were some of the best they’ve seen in a long time.
Renowned surfer and skateboarder, Zoe Herishen, 12, of Wildwood Crest and Wood-Ridge, N.J., came out for the cause.
“It’s really cool and awesome,” Zoe said. “I surfed one heat so far.”
Zoe’s parents, Tracey and Ken Herishen, also came along for the Surf Fest.
“We absolutely love Lance. He is a great guy and so inspiring. He is doing great things for the kids. We look forward to this event every year,” Tracey Herishen said.
Zoe’s friend, Harley Carly, 14, of Manasquan, said it is fun to see her surfing friends.
“A lot of us surfers get to see each other and hang out and have a good time,” Harley said minutes after coming out of the water.
Ocean City professional surfer, Rob Kelly, had a good time helping out with the heats.
“It’s always an awesome event regardless of the waves, but the waves today have been the best waves we’ve had all summer,” Kelly said. “It’s really exciting.”
Michael Garland, who handles public relations for the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation, said of Surf Fest, “It is a great way for the foundation to kick off the fundraising season and awareness for Amyloidosis.”
For Lance Miller, the goal is to not only raise money, but also to broaden the reach and educate people about Amyloidosis. The foundation continually adds events, contests and other features, he said, to continue to make it a memorable experience for participants and their families.
He and his father used to surf together.
Now, he is teaching his daughter, Ella, 10, to surf.
On Friday, she decided to ride a wave without any help from her father.
“I like it,” Ella said of surfing.
“I told her if she goes out and catches a wave on her own, I’ll buy her a surfboard,” Miller said.
For more information about the organization, visit www.ChipMiller.org or via the CMAF Facebook page, www.facebook.com/AmyloidosisAwarenes.
