Cheers to Bill Haggerty from Brigantine, New Jersey. Bill was was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer back in 2022. Treatment included brain surgery, radiation and chemo along with a long physical, mental and emotional recovery that’s still in process.
Haggerty says, "Being in and around the water kept me positive and allowed me to 'keep paddling' through life’s adversities as a giant set wave of life 'caught me inside'. The other element that kept me positive was surf related media: publications like Session The Mag, books like Grajagan: Surfing in the Tiger’s Lair, movies like Fishpeople, TV series' like Life of Kai, teaching SUP yoga, and picking up surf photography by taking shots of my daughter's surfing."
"A key lesson I've learned is I don’t need hour long surf sessions feel better. I literally need just one wave. This lesson took off the pressure of feeling a need to surf long sessions when I didn’t have the energy. I’ve decided to spread this message by starting @keeppaddlingfoundation whose tag line is, 'All It Takes Is One Wave'. My yoga and surfing practices allow me to be present and escape the everyday stresses of life. Session The Mag has the same effect when I’m reading stories and appreciating pictures of watermen and waterwomen."
Bill, thank you for the kind words and huge inspiration. Water friends like yourself are the reason we started our Subscriber Celebration and we are grateful that you shared your story with us. See you on the water!
