Surf community rallies to help Adam Popp, 27
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Adam finished his last chemo treatment Sept. 4. Heäó»s sponsored by RVCA
An e-mail arrived in my inbox that really moved me. Duke Edukas at Surfside Sports in Costa Mesa wrote about a former employee struggling with testicular cancer.
Adam Popp is 27. So young to go through something so terrible! He’s a professional surfer who until he was diagnosed in May worked as the surf team manager for Dan Taylor Surfboards. He graduated this spring from Cal State Fullerton with a BA in advertising.
The surf community is generous and is rallying to support Adam as he works to recover. Duke told me the response has been overwhelming. I followed up with Adam, and here’s an update on how’s he’s doing in his own words.
“Thankfully, I had my last treatment of chemo Sept. 4. Still feeling a little weak and sick, getting better each day. My mom, Doreen Barrick, and dad, Rich Popp, have been there from day one and I am now walking and stretching each morning with them to build strength. My aunt, Judy Sweetland, and sister, Staci Popp, started the “Back on the Board Foundation” for me and I am so thankful and appreciative of their love and hard work.
“The surf industry has been 100% supportive before and after my diagnosis. Paul and Duke at Surfside Sports, where I was a manager for 5 years, are the focal point of support from the industry. Best friend Jamey Beeson at Quiksilver has been extremely helpful in getting the word out about the foundation and has some great marketing techniques for the future to raise funds (to help with medical costs). Todd Miller, owner of Factor 54, dedicated their summer surf series to the “Back on the Board” Foundation and sold bracelets at their last event.
“I would personally like to thank all my family, friends and complete strangers that I have met through this for their prayers, positivity, and support. Without them this struggle would have been impossible to endure. If you guys ever need anything…I am there!”
If you want to help, Duke said the best way is to stop by Surfside and buy a “Back on the Board” Adam Popp wristband for $5. All proceeds go to Adam.
