Ethan Kim

Ethan Kim

United States of America

Athlete #794

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Irvine, CA

While on spring break vacation with his family Ethan decided to try surfing for the first time. After about 30 minutes of of surfing, he began to feel a pain in the middle of his back. Thinking the pain would subside, he continued surfing despite the discomfort. However, the pain intensified, Ethan informed his surfing instructor he wanted to return to shore. By the time he reached the shore, the pain had became unbearable. When he arrived at the hospital he was diagnosed with a spinal cord injury known as Surfer’s Myelopathy, an injury resulting from hyperextending his back, disrupting blood flow to his lower spine.

“Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do - John Wooden”

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Ethan Kim

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