Celebrating Life

CELEBRATING LIFE
17 year-old Harry Greenberg paddles through cancer

For Harry Greenberg, a Miami Country Day School senior, last week's football game was one he won't soon forget. With Friday night lights illuminating the field and a roar of approval emanating from the crowded bleachers, East Coast ripper Matt Kechele and filmmaker Andrew Petersen surprised the 17 year-old with a new, custom-shaped plank.

Petersen, a friend and neighbor to the Greenbergs, told Kechele about the Harry's battle with cancer during the taping of a recent episode of Quiksilver's Hurricane Chasers, and the pair headed over to the football field soon after. They hoped a Kechele-designed retro twinnie would encourage the brave young surfer to get back into the water. From the sound of things, they were right on.

"I can't wait to surf again!" said Harry, board in both hands and crutches resting against his chest. Only recently diagnosed with bone cancer in his leg, Harry has had to face the reality of becoming an amputee. He has been strong, to his credit, fighting the disease every day, and wanting to move forward with his life.

Harry was sitting in the bleachers, surrounded by his close friends, when Matt Kechele walked up the aisle, board in hand. Classmates and family gathered around him to celebrate the unforgettable moment. His parents were very thankful for the kind gesture.

Harry thanked Andrew and Matt as well, and told them that the new board will help him recover quickly. He's been watching Hurricane Noel pump life into Flordian breaks, after all.

-- Natasha Hirth with Kyle Moreno

From Surfline.com