Restoring Hope
2013
PO Box 223663
Princeville, HI 96722
friendsofbethany.com
RH
13
I have been inspired this year by the amazing people Friends of Bethany
Hamilton Foundation (FOBH) has had the privilege of reaching out to.
When I consider the important work FOBH is doing, the following verse
often comes to mind:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father
of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our
tribulations, that we may comfort those who are in any trouble, with the
comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Cor 1:3-4
This scripture beautifully portrays the heart of FOBH. The Founders and
Staff at Friends of Bethany have been through difficult life-altering times
and have received comfort from God. Now, we are able to comfort others
who are going through any difficulty, because of the comfort God has
given us.
How much more are we equipped to comfort those who are going through
similar circumstances which we have experienced!
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father
of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our
tribulations, that we may comfort those who are in any trouble,
with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
At Friends of Bethany, we have a unique niche to reach out to traumatic amputees and shark-attack survivors from.
This year marked the 10-year anniversary of Bethany Hamilton’s shark attack and loss of her left arm. Her story has
been heard, read, and seen by millions of people worldwide and has given her and FOBH a unique platform to reach
out to those who are hurting and need us most.
My email is flooded with stories from those who have been touched by Bethany’s story of faith and overcoming. It is
also flooded with stories of struggle and those in need. It has been a privilege to answer those who are struggling, to
offer encouragement, hope, strength, and prayer as they walk through times of uncertainty. I have witnessed many
families who have been touched in meaningful and lasting ways during times of uncertainty. I am thankful to be
involved with this incredible organization that is making a real impact in the lives of those who need us most! I truly,
want to thank each one of you for your heartfelt love and support. Each donor and partner we have come in contact
with has blessed FOBH in a unique way, and we are so thankful! As you read through these short pages, I hope you are
filled with wonder and hope as I have been this year.
Aloha and hope from Kauai,
Katie Ancheta
Executive Director
A Year in
Review
In 2013, Friends of Bethany had the opportunity to
reach out to amputees and shark-attack survivors in
new and meaningful ways. Thanks to each of our
donors, sponsors, and partners we were able to
deeply impact the lives of young amputees through
our Beautifully Flawed Retreat; comfort and encourage
the Boston Bombing amputees with a personal visit,
gifts, and financial assistance; reach out to over 35
amputees and/or shark-attack survivors through our
Encouragement Package program; grant college scholarships to five outstanding students from Kauai; and inspire
thousands through our Inspirational Products made and sold exclusively by Friends of Bethany.
2013 was Friends of Bethany’s second year awarding College Scholarship money to outstanding students in Kauai.
Each student has demonstrated: 1) An ability to overcome obstacles; 2) Academic excellence; and 3) Acceptance
to a College or University where they are pursuing their life goals. This year’s awardees were outstanding young
people of character, strength, and achievement. FOBH is honored to invest in the lives of these promising youth!
Thanks to each one of you for your partnership and support! You play a vital role in the lives of each individual
FOBH reaches out to.
2013 Spending
35%
General
Operating
65%
Cost
Charitable
Programs
FOBH representatives and awardees at the FOBH Student Scholarship Awards Dinner.
Pictured: Katie Ancheta, Becky Hamilton, Charlotte Kaauamo, Victoria Davis, Joy Claypoole, Tia
Morishige, Bethany Hamilton, Karalee Higa, and Sarah Hill.
We look forward to 2014 and the many opportunities
FOBH has to continue making an impact!
Don't miss the last page of this report to see what we
have planned for 2014. To find out more on how you
can partner with FOBH, please visit our website or
scan the image below.
2011 - 2013
Charitable Giving
27k
39k
74k
2011
2012
2013
Donate
Now
www.friendsofbethany.com
In October, FOBH hosted the Beautifully Flawed Retreat, an inspirational
weekend for young women with limb
loss. The retreat was held at a private
residence in Del Mar, CA and was
hosted by Bethany Hamilton, Lauren
Scruggs (Traumatic-Amputee & author
of Still Lolo), and FOBH's Sarah Hill,
Becky Hamilton, and Katie Ancheta.
The response of the young women was
overwhelming, and many have
reported that the retreat was life-changing for them. Sarah Hill reports below.
The Beautifully Flawed Retreat was attended by young women ages 14-24. Photo by Ashley Wingo.
As a speaker, there are many topics I have felt passionate about sharing on. Beautifully flawed was a theme the Lord
gave me about a year and a half ago. As I shared with friends and family the message behind this theme, I got amazing
feedback. Many young girls deal with the issue of body image in our society. It was something that I too had battled for
many years. From a young age I faced numerous surgeries leaving my body with scars all over. I believed the lies of
being flawed and ugly, unlovable because of the scars I now bared. In light of the cross I was able see my value. I felt
the Lord impress on my heart, “Sarah do you not love me because of my scars?” My answer, “of course not Lord, I
don’t think of your scars, but when I do, I know you bore those for me.” Every scar, every trial and hardship can bare
the love and strength of the Lord if we allow them to.
FOBH was so excited to share this theme with the girls at the retreat. I loved
the opportunity to have 12 girls tucked away from the world for the weekend. We laughed, we cried, and we concurred. We concurred the bias that
having flaws takes away from your beauty. We were able to remind each
other of our great value and purpose. I had previously met one of the girls at
the retreat, Madysen. She is a double arm amputee. God knit us together
from the moment I was introduced to her! Madysen was invited to attend
the retreat. While there, she learned to surf. I will never forget the look in her
eyes as she accomplished what she thought would be an impossible task. Her
mom said that because of the Beautifully Flawed retreat, she has been forever
changed. This makes every hardship and trial so worth it, when we see God
use our pain for His glory! Life is lovely and beautiful just as you are.
-Sarah Hill San Diego
Beautifully
Flawed
Song of Solomon 4:7
Madysen Acey catches a wave during a surf lesson with
Bethany Hamilton at the Beautifully Flawed Retreat
“You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.”
On April 15, 2013, two bombs went off at the
Boston Marathon, killing 3, injuring hundreds,
and taking the limbs of 16 individuals. It was
a time of sadness and uncertainty for the city of
Boston. It was also a time when people banded
together to help each other out. Friends of
Bethany sent a small team to Boston 5 days
after the bombings to offer love, encouragement, and hope. Team members Mike Coots
and Sarah Hill report below.
Restoring Hope
Hearing about the tragedies in Boston and how so many had become amputees was
nauseating and gut-wrenching. As a amputee myself, the struggles that would be faced
hit home and had me thinking of the first few days I spent limbless. I feel very blessed to
have been given a chance to visit Boston and the opportunity to share love and support
to those affected by this horrific event. Friends of Bethany sent Sarah Hill, Tom Hamilton, and myself to Boston a few days after the bombings. It was surreal being in a city
where something so crazy and sinister had happened. We spent the majority of our time
in hospitals, and it was there you could feel a tangible sense of humanity and hope. I did
my best to speak from the heart the issues I had and what to expect on the road to
recovery and the life that unfolds after. I answered questions about a limbless life, the
realities and the blessings. It felt like the words coming out of my mouth weren't mine at
times, and it was very emotional. It was the most moving experience of my life. But
through both tears of laughter and tears of sadness, determination and life resonated
loudly. -Mike Coots
Boston
When founding Friends of Bethany Hamilton, we never imagined
what kind of doors would be open for us to encourage those who
have lost limbs. After the Boston Marathon bombing, there was
no question; we knew we needed to go. The Lord directed every
footstep we took while in Boston. On the last day that Mike and I
were there, I received an email from a girl whose sister lost her leg
in the first explosion. The sister was extremely depressed and
refused to see anyone. Somehow she agreed to see us. When we
went in, this sweet lady looked like the weight of the world was
on her shoulders. We began sharing with her and after a few
FOBHBoard Members Tom Hamilton, Sarah
Hill, and Mike Coots at a Boston Hospital.
moments she saw Mike’s prosthetic and invited us to sit. She
began asking him all kinds of questions. Mike had lost the same leg in the same place as she had.
It was so amazing to see how she opened up. We were able to talk to her for an hour. By the end of
the conversation, she was saying she wanted to run the marathon next year. She went from not
knowing if she would or could do anything, to seeing and dreaming big. As we walked away from
that room Mike said, “Sarah, can I hug you.” As we hugged, he said, “I will never be the same, I am
forever changed.” Mike was experiencing the hope and purpose he had in being able to share with
others through what he had faced. I am so grateful to be a part of such an amazing organization
that desires nothing more than to encourage the discouraged. Thank you all for your prayers and
support, without you, this would not be possible! Aloha, Sarah Hill
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Restoring Hope 2014 Projects
2nd Annual Beautifully Flawed Retreat
Encouragement Packages
Mike Coots is a shark-attack survivor, amputee, photographer, and
shark-conservationist. He was a source of inspiration to Bethany
Hamilton after her shark-attack and is a founding board member
of the Friends of Bethany Hamilton Foundation. His life has been a
source of hope and inspiration to so many who have met him, and
FOBH is excited to share his story with thousands through film!
The first Beautifully Flawed Retreat was an overwhelming success
and we look forward to hosting our second retreat in 2014. The
Beautifully Flawed Retreat gives FOBH the opportunity to connect
with young, struggling amputees on a personal level and create
meaningful lasting relationships. Through the Beautifully Flawed
Retreats, FOBH hopes to encourage and strengthen amputees as
well as identify amputees with whom we can partner with in the
years to come.
Encouragement Packages are often the first contact FOBH has with
a struggling amputee or shark-attack survivor. They are packages
filled with books and DVDs of Bethany’s story, other inspiring life
stories, gifts from Kauai, information about FOBH services, and a
personal note. FOBH seeks to get Encouragement Packages into
the hands of survivors and amputees as soon as we hear of them.
Medical Scholarships for Amputees
Kauai Seniors College Scholarships
Inspirational Products
The Mike Coots Story Film
Medical expenses for a new amputee can be very high. Hospital
stays, surgeries, recovery, physical therapy, and the incredible cost
of prosthetics can be overwhelming. This has spurred FOBH to
offer Medical Scholarships to Amputees and we are excited to offer
scholarships to four individuals each year!
FOBH is privileged to help the next generation create their own
inspiring life stories. The Kauai Seniors College Scholarship
gives financial assistance to college-bound students who have
demonstrated an ability to overcome difficult situations in their
lives. The past years scholarship awardees have been students full
of promise and hope, and FOBH is honored to help them achieve
their collegiate goals.
FOBH creates and sells Inspirational Products that share life stories
and motivational quotes to give hope and encouragement to others.
We have a web store featuring FOBH original posters and DVDs,
and we look forward to selling original shirts and books on-line in
2014 as well! These products both inspire and encourage others,
while raising funds for FOBH.