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Sunshine kids hit Waikiki surf

By Howard Dashefsky - bio | email

WAIKIKI (KHNL) - They're 12 to 18 years old and come from as far as away as Florida and New York.

And on this day they all share one thing in common.  Smiles.

It's a welcome break from another common bond these kids share. the battle against cancer.

"It's so nice" said 15 year old Lauren Nicole Anderson of California.

"I want to move here. I think I want to go to school here so yeah, I love it".

The kids are guests of the non profit organization "Sunshine Kids".

Established in 1982, it provides activities , opportunities and emotional support.      

For the next week, the 39 young patients simply get to be kids, and enjoy all hawaii has to offer like surf lessons at queen's beach

"Its fun and for some of these kids" said pediatric oncologist Robyn Howard Anderson.

"For some, they've never flown or been in a hotel room so it's really a chance to gain some independence as well, which is kind of a milestone for a teenager at this age."

But more than anything, it's a chance to enjoy a well needed break from the battle they're all waging.

"It's cool because you get to see all the names and the talk about the cancer they are battling and the drugs and they know what you are thinking about so it's kind of cool. Nobody else understands," said 15 year old Lauren Anderson.

And for just this one week, all anyone really needs to understand,  is what they're faces already tell you.

"They're having a blast, they're smiling" said Howard Anderson.

"The water is warm and they're amazed they can be on a surfboard in the ocean."