Tag Archives: bethany hamilton

Soul Surfer Bethany Hamilton’s Message to Clifford School

If you’re familiar with Bethany Hamilton’s story, you know she’s overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and uses her experience to help others. An avid surfer, Bethany at the age of 13, lost an arm when she was attacked by a tiger shark. Though she suffered trauma at a young age, she was back in the water only three weeks after the incident and has since inspired a countless number of people. She currently supports other shark bite victims and a portion from the proceeds from her brand of flip flops and eyewear sales goes to the nonprofit organization Friends of Bethany Hamilton.

Bethany was recently in the bay area for a speaking engagement and Clifford parent Lisa A. had a chance meeting with the extraordinary role model! Not only did Lisa walk away completely awestruck by Bethany’s message, but when it came to having a memento from the experience, Lisa had Clifford on her mind. Bethany’s signed photo with a personalized message of encouragement is in the office for all to see, and to remind us that we can push beyond our limits to achieve great things.

We asked Lisa what made the biggest impression on her when meeting Bethany, and she said this:

“Knowing Bethany is passionate about overcoming obstacles, keeping your mind open, and continuing to move forward in the face of adversity. Who knew that getting “back in” would be something so relatable like school, water and the like. The inspiring message she wrote for our school holds more weight with our youth today, more then you can believe.”

Bethany is a shining example demonstrating the strength of the human spirit. Thank you, Lisa, for being so thoughtful in sharing the message, photo, and inspiration with Clifford School and our students in particular!

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See the actual photo at Clifford!