I’ve recently been reminded how short and fragile life can be, as my good friend Cliff Makaena just had an unexpected open heart surgery (triple bypass) on Monday 3/7. It was shock to everyone including himself as this life changing event unfolded over just a few days.
It was a 5 and a half hour surgery on and the doctors were the great. They performed a triple-bypass to open up his arteries (100% blockage, 80% blockage, 75% blockage). After surgery he said that just taking 10 steps was a lot of work after having his chest opened up, and now he can hear his own heart beating! He said to thank everyone for their support, and in his own words :
"you don't even know how much that means to me, you don't even know. I love you all."
Cliff is a bad ass musician, father and friend. He has coordinated countless benefits and fundraisers to those in need over the years. So I wanted to do something special for this guy that had helped so many, so I did, I thru a fundraiser to help him during his recovery.
Here's Cliff in Action...
Cliff Makaena surfing 26th St Manhattan Beach |
The idea really started with a couple of people wanting to figure out how to help Cliff while having a few drinks after work. So we picked a day and started spreading the word that we would be at the Hanger Inn in manhattan beach on 3/18 from 2-6pm and we were going to round up donations for Cliff.
I call up my buddies and next thing I knew we were having a raffle and had a photographer (Don Klesges) to take some pictures that we could share with Cliff because at the time he was still too weak to attend.
Cliff in Action..
Cliff Makaena surfing Mainland Mexico |
There is also a fundraiser on line so that anyone around the world can help Cliff, even a little can help go a long way. I was hoping you could help me spread the word. Thanks!
campaign link: gofundme.com/y8ugt8t7
So here is how things went down.. Check it out!
campaign link: gofundme.com/y8ugt8t7
Aloha!