I’m only 8 years old, but would love to do something to help out Friends of Bethany Foundation. I have started a Fundraising page for FOB at http://DealsforDreams.com that should be approved and live in the next couple of days – but PLEASE let me know how else I can help.

Thank you very much!

Certainly, we understand how busy you must be, but just wanted to write a note telling you how much you’ve inspired our family and, in particular, my daughter Carly.

We recently purchased a DVD of Soul Surfer, and without a doubt you’ve become one of the healthiest role models a parent could hope for. You’ve inspired Carly to try that much harder at school, and with her passion, swimming.

We live near Philadelphia so although Carly is looking forward to trying/learning how to surf some day, our options are limited to the summer months! Hands down, though, summer is her sport.

Our family, sadly, has experienced several losses of relatives over the last few years, so your ‘entry’ in my daughter’s life is especially poignant – indeed, she always tries to see the best in everything and sees the ‘good’ that can come out of bad things.

We are also fortunate to be able to send Carly to a faith-based school – she attends a local Friends’ school which is based on Quaker beliefs of Christianity – i.e. being a steward of the earth, living simply, and advocating peace over conflict.

Again, just wanted to say a few words – thank for you for being you and being such a great role model to my 9 year old daughter. Like many only children she’s wise beyond her years and has a great instinct for picking up on the ‘right things.’

If you ever find yourself with a minute to spare, she has one question – she loves your recipes, and we practice vegetarianism – veganism – you seem to lean in that direction – would you call yourself a vegetarian?

Best wishes for 2012 and beyond, and happy-soon-to-be birthday.

David, Lynn and Carly,
Riverton, NJ

I haven’t been able to take up my favorite sport, which was golf because first my prothesis didn’t fit that well and second my balance isn’t as good as it should be….BUT I am determined to play this summer.

My best golfing buddies have died since my amputation – the first was my best buddy Bob Mendler (who was a german holocaust survivor) and the second was my father who passed away on sept. 1st this year… . So I don’t really know what I’m going to do.

CONGRATULATIONS on winning your surf competitions and GOOD LUCK in the future.

LOVE,LAURA

When I was going through Elementary School and dealing with all of the torture at school, I vaguely remember my mom telling me about Bethany for an inspiration, but to be honest I didn’t care. I lost all hope for a long time, and my last day of fifth grade was the last day that I have worn a short sleeved shirt in public. I quit playing the competitive soccer that I was in love with since I was three. In my depression, I dyed my blonde hair black, got a piercing, and entirely flipped my wardrobe before Middle School. I wanted to hide my arm, because I was terrified of the merge of students from all four schools in my city seeing me. I’ve worn over sized jet black hoodies since my first day in the sixth grade. Throughout Elementary School, I only had three friends. Going into Middle School, I hid my ‘disability’ from everyone. A lot of people didn’t notice. Several people still don’t know to this day. My friend base has grown and changed over the years, and I am thankful for the people that I have today.

My friends have helped me through so much. Though none of them truly understand what I feel, they try. I struggle with my physical appearance constantly, but tonight I had something of a little miracle. I couldn’t sleep, so I was resting on my couch looking for movies on On Demand. The first movie I found was Burlesque. It sounds weird, but my idol is Christina Aguilera and I watched the movie and fell in love. To be honest, I think it brought up my old love of dancing. From the time I was four until I was six I danced. When I was six, a girl told me that I was ugly, and stupid for trying to dance because I looked like a fish out of water. I gave in, and I quit dancing. I also quit singing, which was my dream from the time I was two. My mom has home videos of me singing to Disney songs, nearly from the time I could talk. Honestly, Burlesque made me want to sing all over again.

The next movie I saw was Soul Surfer. I’d heard about it for a while, my friends all went to see it and loved it. I, however, didn’t want to. I was scared to go see it, I think I was afraid of it bringing change to the way of life I was so set in. I debated whether or not to watch the movie for almost an hour. When I finally turned it on, I was so into it. I cried so many times, and I found myself sniffling at the end when Bethany didn’t win the Nationals. When it was over, I immediately looked for a way to contact her. Instead, I found this site and your story. I related to everything. Our stories are so similar.. I think I’m going to sign back up for Soccer. And…

I think I might go back to school on Monday in a tank top.