Take a breath; feel the water. You know you can do this.

Words: Denise Tolan
Photos: Jason Belsky (@jaybelsky)
Date: Mar 25th, 2024

Surfer Gracie Tolan

We wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude for having Gracie be a part of your Surf For All event last Saturday at Skudin Surf / American Dream Mall. At the end of August Gracie had spinal surgery. Mid-operation, the surgeons realized that they would have to do more extensive work than originally planned. Thankfully, all went well with the surgery due to her extraordinary surgeons Dr. Mittler and Dr. Lefkowitz, and the amazing nurses and staff at Cohen Childrens Hospital. Gracie was soon on the road to recovery. We were lucky enough to be able to schedule her surgery for the end of the summer, so she would not miss out on her favorite time of the year at her favorite place, the beach. Gracie spent every minute she possibly could last summer at the beach and in the ocean, and she was even working as a CIT at Skudin Surf. She said it was the best summer ever.

Surfer Gracie Tolan

Gracie has overcome challenges her entire life and handles them with a strength that amazes me and everyone who knows her. As a parent watching your child endure any difficulties in life is heartbreaking. Watching Gracie go through the surgery and challenges that followed was a time filled with faith and support from family and friends.

As I watched Gracie get in the water this past Saturday morning and saw the hesitation in her eyes as she was pulling her surfboard into the pool, I said, “Take a breath; feel the water. You know you can do this.”…..and of course she did ! Once again proving that she has an inner strength that I am in awe of.

Denise and Gracie Tolan

The smile….how do you thank someone or a group of people for a smile? The smile that was on Gracie’s face after taking that first wave in was something I will never forget. It seemed as if a weight was lifted off her body. She seemed light, happy, peaceful. So, thank you for that.

Thank you for the enthusiasm and support of your program and everyone who is a part of it, we are so very grateful. Special thanks to Jeanine Sorensen, you seem to have a never-ending supply of support and love we are so grateful to have you in our lives.

“Dance with the waves, move with the sea, let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.” — Christy Ann Martine

~Denise, Billy and Gracie Tolan