Bethany Hamilton: always positive.
The Hamilton family and Rip Curl is pleased to announce that Bethany Hamilton has stabilized and is doing well following her traumatic shark attack in Kauai.
Early last Friday morning Bethany was surfing Tunnels on Kauai's north coast with her best friend and best friend's father when what is believed to be a 12-15ft tiger shark attacked from behind, taking off her left arm just below the shoulder. She was lying flat on her board at the point of contact.
Her friends father acted quickly and is credited with saving her life by torniquing her shoulder and paddling her back to shore, where she eventually passed out while waiting for the emergency ambulance.
Lifeguards believe her strong water sense and positive outlook helped get her through the traumatic ordeal.
Monday afternoon local Kauai time Bethany had final surgery to seal her shoulder wound and is reported to be in high spirits.
The support from the Hawaiian community and the international surf community at large has been nothing short of amazing.
"Bethany would like to thank the international community for all their support", said Rip Curl USA Team manager Scott POD Banuelos from location on Kauai.
Bethany: style and poise well beyond her years.
"She had over 7000 emails in the last 24 hours from people around the world pledging their support and sending warm wishes. Following her surgery this afternoon she will now likely be home in the next 2-3 days. She looks forward to doing things she's never done before like snowboarding, photography, and other new challenges that lay before her".
With Bethany stabilized and now on the road to recovery, Rip Curl has pledged full support for Bethany and the Hamilton family during the rehabilitation process.
"The company is committed to working closely with Bethany and is looking at a variety of ways to support her and her family now and in the future", said Global CEO David Lawn from California.
"We are fully committed to support Bethany and her family. We currently have three members of our USA staff over in Hawaii to give immediate support and will work on ways to support their future needs", added Jimmy Olsson, Rip Curl USA CEO.
Fundraising ideas and plans are already underway. The most likely outcome will see a local Benefit Night held on Kauai in the next two weeks, followed by a Fundraising Function held in conjunction with the Rip Curl Cup and North Shore Lifeguard Association during the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.
In the meantime, the Hamilton Family is pleased to announce that a fundraising fund for Bethany has been established - aptly named Friends of Bethany Hamilton.
Fund details as follows :
Friends of Bethany Hamilton
1st Hawaiian Bank
Lihue Branch
4423 Rice Street
Lihue, HAWAII 96766
USA
Please note that all checks and money orders should be sent directly to the 1st Hawaiian Bank in Hawaii, per the details above.
For all further details of Bethany's recovery and fundraising details, log on to www.bethanyhamilton.com