Ambry Genetics
1 Enterprise
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
SAN CLEMENTE, CA November 17, 2010 – SURFER Magazine is proud to announce this year's SURFER Poll Agent of Change Award to James Dunlop (Executive Director of MOF) and Charles Dunlop (CEO of Ambry Genetics), founders of the Mauli Ola Foundation (MOF). The Foundation will benefit from the proceeds of VIP table sales, and their award will be presented on December 6, 2010 at the 40th annual event.
The Agent of Change Award honors organizations and individuals who are working for the betterment of the surfing community. In previous years, Surfaid International's Dr. Dave Jenkins and Surfers for Cetaceans' Dave Rastovich have received this distinction.
In 2008 the Dunlop brothers founded the MOF with three goals: help find natural treatments for children with genetic disorders, raise community awareness about these disorders and potential treatments, and to help fund research companies that are working to uncover and help in the finding of a solution to these genetic diseases.
"It is a true honor to receive the Agent of Change Award and be recognized by the surfing community for the hard work of our staff and volunteers," said Executive Director James Dunlop. "Although cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease in the United States, it is sometimes referred to as the "lost disease" because it effects a relatively small population compared to diseases such as cancer or autism. The healing properties of the ocean have a positive effect on everyone, but a profound effect on CF patients. Surfing as a natural treatment for CF has raised significant awareness about this disease because of massive support from the Surf industry."
"The MOF raises funds to support programs for kids and adults with life-threatening illnesses and disabilities. Their mission is to provide a direct and immediate option for children with genetic disorders an enjoyable and healthy way of life through natural treatments. "The daily routine of a CF patient like myself consists of a strict regimen of breathing treatments, chest therapy, and a whole lot of pills," said Caleb Remington, MOF Member and MOF participant. "There is one treatment that I love doing, and that is surfing. After a surf session I eat better, sleep better, and can stand on the beach and take a deep breath. The Mauli Ola Foundation is truly a blessing for the entire CF community because they bring awareness of this disease to a whole new level by taking patients with CF surfing."
"The Mauli Ola Foundation has proven what those in the surf community already know; that the ocean is a special place with many healing properties," said SURFER Publisher Tony Perez. "Through the MOF's research and hard work, we now know that kids with certain genetic illnesses greatly benefit from being in the ocean and that it helps cure certain diseases such as CF. SURFER Magazine hopes that by giving the Agent of Change Award to the MOF at this year's Surfer Poll that we will help to enable the organization to raise awareness and continue educating the public."
The Mauli Ola Foundation (MOF) was organized to promote education, awareness of genetic diseases and to increase research for genetic disorders. The MOF raises funds to support programs for kids and adults with life-threatening illnesses and disabilities through social events such as music concerts, sports tournaments, galas, and other great events. We want to provide a direct and immediate option for children with genetic disorders an enjoyable and healthy way of life through natural treatments. For more information, visit:www.mauliola.org.
The 40th annual Surfer Poll presented by Samsung and Verizon Wireless will be held on Monday, December 6, 2010, at Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore. Attendance is by invitation only, but be sure to catch all of the behind-the-scenes and red carpet exclusives along with the event via the live webcast at Surferpoll.com beginning at 7 p.m. Hawaiian time.
Please see the SURFER Magazine Press Release for information about the Surfer Poll Agent of Change awarded to Mauli Ola Foundation.
Ambry Genetics, a subsidiary of REALM IDx, Inc., translates scientific research into clinically actionable test results based upon a deep understanding of the human genome and the biology behind genetic disease. It is a leader in genetic testing that aims to improve health by understanding the relationship between genetics and disease. Its unparalleled track record of discoveries over 25 years, and growing database that continues to expand in collaboration with academic, corporate and pharmaceutical partners, means Ambry Genetics is first to market with innovative products and comprehensive analysis that enable clinicians to confidently inform patient health decisions.
Media Contact
Mickie Henshall
Chief Marketing Officer
REALM IDx
mhenshall@realmidx.com