PJ Kuzmitski enjoyed a new adventure Saturday, June 9: surfing.
The soon-to-be sophomore at Yosemite High got up on a board off Pismo Beach thanks to AmpSurf, a nonprofit founded 15 years ago that’s dedicated to adaptive surf therapy.
AmpSurf works with people with all kinds of disabilities, including those who are amputees, blind or have spinal cord or traumatic brian injuries or suffer from PTSD or autism.
AmpSurf says it taps into the power of the ocean for an experience that is physically, mentally and spiritually healing.
Founder and president Dana Cummings said PJ was up on a board for the first time. He joined more than 20 others including Rumi, a 4-year-old girl born with symbrachydactyly (she has a left hand but not a right) who was recently featured on the TLC show “This is Life Live.” Also getting up on boards were 13 participants in the San Luis Obispo County Veterans Outreach program.
Yosemite High student PJ Kuzmitski rides a wave Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Pismo Beach during the AmpSurf event.
AmpSurf
PJ’s right leg was amputated below the knee after he suffered a catastrophic injury during JV football practice Sept. 27.
He spent about a month at Valley Children’s Hospital.
At Pismo Beach, PJ showed off a high-tech prosthetic which will allow him to continue with his sports and FFA activities.
PJ and his family have had plenty of financial challenges (offset with community fundraisers) but AmpSurf wasn’t one of them – the nonprofit’s clinics are free for the disabled (a small refundable deposit is required to reserve a spot).
How to help
AmpSurf: For more information on AmpSurf and a full schedule of events to participate and volunteer visit AmpSurf.org
PJ: To make a donation to PJ and his family, visit youcaring.com/pjkuzmitski-971313
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