Shark Attack Victim Bethany Hamilton Helps Others Keep Positive Attitude

Bethany Hamilton is the latest celebrity to volunteer for “Extreme Makeover Home Edition.” If you’re not familiar with Hamilton’s story, she’s the professional surfer who, in 2003, at the age of 13, was attacked by a shark while surfing in Hawaii and lost her arm as a result.

The “EMHE” family being featured are Katrina and Mike Carr and their four adopted children, who are struggling in a house that is unsafe and too small to serve their needs, which include many physical challenges.

Their 3-year-old twin daughters Ryanne and Rina were born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, which caused Ryanne the amputation of her legs and one arm, and Rina the loss of a leg. Nine-year-old Nokolas was recently diagnosed with Sensory Integration Dysfunction, which causes an inability to organize information as it comes through the senses. And Mike Carr has undergone pancreas and kidney transplants over the past decade.

 

Like Hamilton, they remain upbeat through their personal challenges. Meeting the surfer, who literally rode in on a wave to greet them in Hawaii, was a highlight, but equally rewarding for Hamilton.