Ohana Family Surf Day (for the Millers)

"Ohana" means family. And no family loves, laughs, admires and supports each other like the Miller family.

I first came to know Andrea as a kid. A fifth grade kid, to be exact. She was my middle school teacher. Soon after we were teacher/student, Andrea and her husband Jeff had their first child. Andrea (then, Mrs. M to me), had me come over as a mother's helper when their first was just a baby. One kid turned into two, then three and four. I was their babysitter throughout, and have spent so much time and shared so many memories with this family. Andrea and Jeff were soulmates. They set an example as a couple and parents that many aspire to, not just myself. All four kids are a pleasure to be around. It has been my honor to have a front row seat to their upbringing.

It was crushing news when Jeff's cancer returned. His passing still seems impossible.

Jeff was one of a kind, truly. He was smart and clever, warm and funny, and someone you always wanted to have a beer with. One of Jeff's favorite things to do was to surf. He was the embodiment of a surfer: laid back and loved life. His kids are still young, and unfortunately, were robbed of so many summers they would have spent with their dad on the beach.

And so... I'm raising some funds to privately rent the Skudin Surf Pool (in NJ, where, Jeff and I talked about surfing when he was going to be better) to take the entire family and give them the thrill and celebration of their dad's favorite sport. Nothing puts a smile on your face like catching a wave. The remainder of funds raised will go to the family and donated towards cancer research.

If you can, please donate. If you can't donate, just reach out to someone you love and let them know.

Thank you,

Lori