Last summer, 15-year-old Caleb Acosta was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer. When Make-A-Wish Foundation heard of this, they appeared like a genie from a lamp to grant him one wish. His was to surf with Surf Dog Ricochet, who he had seen on ESPN and, according to Ricochet’s website, is “the only dog in the world who surfs with kids with special needs, people with disabilities, wounded warriors, military families and veterans with PTSD as an assistive aid.”
Caleb and Ricochet enjoying some rollers in San Diego. Photo: Dale Porter | Facebook: Surf Dog Ricochet
Caleb asked and, last week, his wish was granted. He and his family were flown to San Diego, Ca., so he could surf with Ricochet. His cancer, having spread to his spine, keeps him in a wheelchair, but Caleb was helped out and onto a longboard with Ricochet behind him, keeping balance.
As expected, surfing’s therapeutic qualities strike again and Caleb’s face was emblazoned with a stoke smile – his first. According to a press release by “Paw Inspired,” he later said, “I felt almost normal…finally. It felt really good to be free, not worrying about anything and having someone to be my balance.” Paw Inspired went on to say that, after Caleb’s wish was granted, his “goal is to beat this cancer and tell everyone how he beat it. He believes God has a plan for him and anything is possible.”
Got a little tear welling up? Good luck holding it back as you watch the two surf below.
