March Makana Pono

While at the beach one day, Irene Horodecki saw firsthand the impact that nonprofit AccesSurf has on the lives of children and adults with disabilities.

“It warmed my heart to see the children with cognitive disabilities get excited as they were brought into the water to learn to surf,” she recalled. 

Irene has admired AccesSurf’s unique programs and services for the past couple of years, but this is her first time supporting the nonprofit. Islands Hospice’s Makana Pono program allows her to provide AccesSurf with a $5,000 donation so it can carry on its mission to provide ocean access to anyone with a disability.

One of AccesSurf’s most popular programs is Day at the Beach, held the first Saturday of every month at White Plains Beach Park. Participants with physical or cognitive disabilities can experience an “ocean of possibilities” through assisted swimming, floating and surfing made possible with the help of trained volunteers and specialized equipment.

“I’ve seen how they carry a paraplegic or amputee out into the ocean and help them get on a surfboard,” said Irene. “That’s something they might not have been able to do without the help of AccesSurf.”

As a volunteer coordinator, Irene sends out condolence cards and letters to bereaved family members, works with volunteers and helps maintain their files and hourly reports. Islands Hospice is proud to recognize her excellent work as this month’s Makana Pono recipient. Congratulations, Irene!