Donations taken for Kaua'i surfer who lost arm to shark
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua'i Bureau
LIHU'E, Kaua'i — Bethany Hamilton, whose entire left arm was bitten off by a shark Friday, remained in stable condition yesterday at Wilcox Hospital.
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Supporters have established a fund to help with her rehabilitation and the development of prosthetic appliances.
A tiger shark took Bethany Hamilton's arm on Friday.
The family said donations can be sent to Bethany Hamilton in care of Hanalei Surf Co., P.O. Box 790, Hanalei, HI 96714. A bank account should be established today for direct deposits of donations.
Hamilton, 13, is a champion surfer who was considering becoming a professional. Her future is uncertain, although friends say she has the drive to continue her quest for surfing excellence.
Hamilton surfs on Hanalei Surf Co.'s team, where sales clerk and fellow surfer Bobo Bollin said the reaction to her situation has been heartening.
"There's a lot of people that love her here. We have a box on the counter for donations, and it warms my heart to see the kids come up and put their piggy bank money in. She's like their hero," Bollin said.
Hamilton was surfing shortly after dawn Friday with her best friend and a half-dozen other surfers in shallow water at the portion of the Tunnels reef off Ha'ena that surfers call West Reef.
Fellow surfers said the waves were small, water was clear and there was no wind. Without warning, a tiger shark — judging by tooth and bite patterns in her board — bit into the left side of the girl's board and took off her arm just below the shoulder.
Bethany's brothers and friends have established a Web site to let people keep track of her progress. The site is expected to be up and running today at www.bethanyhamilton.com.
A press release from her family said the site will be updated daily with her condition and other news.
Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 245-3074.
