Teenager Cal Saxton aka Kid Creature, and the Saxton Family will be honored at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s 10th Annual Pipeline To a Cure gala on July 15, at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa in Huntington Beach.
Pipeline celebrates the healthful benefits the ocean offers for those who battle cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Cal Saxton, who found relief from his allergies while surfing, has been supporting Pipeline since he was eight years old when he first started designing shirts that feature his now-famous monsters. When Cal started Kid Creature, he and his father were selling shirts out of their garage. Even then, Cal made a commitment to give 10% to Pipeline to a Cure to help his friend Taylor and other kids fighting cystic fibrosis. Eventually, professional surfers and actors began wearing Cal’s designs and the demand took off.
Cal’s first donation to Pipeline was $28, and today he contributes a percentage of the sales of his shirts and gear to Pipeline. Last year that amount exceeded $10,000.
“We’ve always urged our children to follow their dreams while simultaneously doing good for others,” said Nicole Saxton, Cal’s mother. “Inspired by his friend Taylor, Cal has been able to raise money for a cause he believes in, one that continues to better the lives of those affected by cystic fibrosis.”
Over the years, Cal’s family has kept him grounded and supported him. His parents Roger and Nicole have helped guide Cal’s business endeavors and advocated for his involvement with Pipeline to a Cure. Cal’s brother Mack is a filmmaker and his sister Hanah is a teacher. The entire Saxton Family aims to make their mark on society in their own way.
On July 15th the Saxton Family join Chairman Judy Burlingham, Honorary Co-Chairs and legendary watermen Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama, Kai Lenny, Jamie Mitchell and event co-chairs Paul Motenko, Jerry Hennessy, Todd Elder and Barbara Caruso at the tenth annual Pipeline to a Cure gala. This event was created to celebrate the amazing benefits that surfing brings to the CF community.
Australian researchers found that kids with CF who surfed had healthier lungs than those who didn’t. Doctors determined that inhaling saltwater mist has a powerful effect on rehydrating the lining of the lungs, which allows individuals with cystic fibrosis to more easily eliminate bacteria-contaminated mucus. This discovery led to the development of hypertonic saline solution, which individuals with cystic fibrosis around the world now inhale every day. In essence, individuals with cystic fibrosis now mimic a “surf session” on a daily basis.
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. CF affects about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). In people with CF, a defective gene causes a thick, buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airways and traps bacteria leading to infections, extensive lung damage and eventually, respiratory failure. In the pancreas, the mucus prevents the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down food and absorb vital nutrients.
With no public funding, funds raised from the private sector provide a tremendous and critical lifeline to the more than 70,000 children around the world with cystic fibrosis. Pipeline to a Cure continues to attract a groundswell of support from the business and surf communities. Current and past sponsors include American Airlines, Audi, LAcarGUY, Coast Benefit Consultants, BJ’s Restaurants, Nick Alexander Imports, Kaiser Permanente, Constellation Brands (Pacifico), China Auto Group, Quiksilver, Volcom, HB Surf School, Newport Surf Camp, Coca-Cola, The Habit, Calvin Saxton AKA Kid Creature, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, Modern Health, CBS Sports, Health Management Services, Newport Beach Aquatic Center, Pepsi, Quikblade, Surf Industry Manufacturers Association, Skilled Pharmacy, Smart & Final, Time & Alarm Systems, Rutan & Tucker and KROQ.
The Pipeline to a Cure VIP luau begins at 4:30 followed by silent and live auctions, a gourmet dinner, and special musical guests. Tickets for the event are $500. Table and other sponsorships are available. For more information about Pipeline to a Cure or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, please call (714) 938-1393 or visit www.pipelinetoacure.com.
About Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a nonprofit donor-supported organization, The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment and ensuring access to high-quality, specialized care. The Foundation is the leading organization in the United States devoted to cystic fibrosis. It funds and accredits more than 115 CF care centers, 95 adult care programs and 50 affiliate programs, and has 70 chapters and branch offices nationwide.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is one of the most efficient organizations of its kind. It has received a four-star rating for sound fiscal management from Charity Navigator, the largest independent charity evaluator in the United States and is an accredited charity of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. The Foundation’s business model has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health and by publications such as Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and BusinessWeek.
