Two critically ill 19-year-old men, both named Jacob and both needing heart transplants, rode the waves at La Jolla Shores together along with acclaimed surfdog Ricochet Oct. 10 to make a statement. “What we’re doing today is to try to raise awareness for the need for organ donors,” said Judy Fridono, Ricochet’s owner, during a live morning TV news shoot. “This is a special story because of all the similarities between these two boys,” Fridono said. Jacob Kilby of San Diego underwent four open-heart surgeries between his birth in 1995 and his second birthday to try and correct the problem. But the attempts failed, and he was given 24 hours to live. Miraculously, he received a life-saving heart transplant at the last minute. Today, he finds himself needing a second heart transplant. Even though there are a lot of similarities with the Jacobs, there is one big difference: Jacob Jumper of Texas did not receive a heart transplant as a child. He grew up with an abundance of health issues, was often hospitalized and was never able to run around or play sports. “Growing up, the doctors told us in kid-friendly terms that Jacob was essentially born with half a heart,” said Jumper’s sister Hailey, who was present for his surf lesson. “For him to surf with Jacob Kilby and Ricochet is kind of like having a whole heart for the first time,” she added.
Fridono said Ricochet, a female 6-year-old golden retriever, was “supposed to be a service dog but likes to chase critters.” Ricochet instead found her calling helping the disabled.
“Now, she surfs with people who are disabled, counterbalances the board,” said Fridono. “She raises a lot of awareness.” Since the summer of 2009, she’s won a kennel;s worth of awards and has brought in more than $300,000 toward causes to empower kids with special needs, people with disabilities, wounded warriors and veterans with PTSD.
Both families contacted Ricochet for assistance within 24 hours of one another. A “Waves of the Heart” campaign was subsequently begun to help raise awareness of the boys’ life-threatening situations and need for organ donors. It was decided to bring both Jacobs together, and sponsors paid for Jumper’s plane fare and hotel room to make that happen.
“This shows just how much an organ donation can do,” said Fridono, adding it’s especially important to get that word out to the general public.
“One organ donation can save up to eight lives,” said Kilby, who’d never surfed with a dog or another transplant recipient. “You never know who your organs are going to, so it’s very important.”
Asked if he was afraid to try surfing, Jumper said no, adding, “I’ve always wanted to try it. It seemed interesting to me.”
Ever surfed with a dog? “Never,” said Jumper. “It sounds really fun, though.”
Everybody was stoked after the event. “They were able to stand up on their first wave; that was surprising,” Fridono said. “The one Jacob (Jumper) held onto Ricochet and gave himself the confidence to stand up (while) holding on to her.”
The problem for both boys involves an overwhelming shortage of donors. Each day, 18 people in the United States die while waiting for organ transplants. Every 13 minutes, another person’s name is added to the waiting list of thousands already on it. Right now, more than 120,000 patients are waiting for a transplant in the United States.
But both Jacobs have kept a positive attitude and were excited for their surf session. “I feel honored to have had this opportunity to surf with Ricochet and raise awareness about the need for organ donation at the same time,” said Jumper.
For more information on Ricochet and on how you can donate, contact Fridono at [email protected] or (707) 228-0679.