LETTERS

Name: Cathy
Subject: Your presentation was amazing!!!
Date: April 26, 2009

Hey Karina!
I'm really sorry I couldn't have told you this in person (I really wanted to! and to meet you!!) but I had to go to class right after the presentation you gave at Ponte Vedra High School. So I decided to send you an e-mail letting you know how great your speech was and how much it impacted me.

First off, I thought your whole presentation was inspirational and up-lifting. What you and your family have gone through and overcome is incredible! Your dad and your family are true role models. I thought your whole cause of Never Quit and to be healthy and live a healthy and happy life is a great! It really impacted me to be more aware of what I am eating and how much I should be excising each day. It's hard with school and the stress of homework, tests, and exams (especially since I'm applying time towards junior college) to get in time to exercise (even 30 min.) and watch what I eat , but after hearing your speech- that I can do whatever I want to do- I just can't ever quit- I decided right there and then that from now on I'm going to make the time to exercise and watch what I eat and just make a healthier lifestyle for me. Also, as soon as my mom picked me up, I immediately started telling her about you, your family, and your cause (I also made my whole family watch your video, and I have told all my friends and their parents to watch the video, and how we must change our diets and the importance of our parents to get checked up at a hospital for high blood pressure, etc. It has been the same reaction with most of my friends that saw you speak.)

Now, as a family, we are all going to exercise every day for at least 30 min. It's great!! Don't get me wrong, I mean our family has never been super unhealthy or anything- it's just after hearing your speech and seeing your dad and how healthy he was and what happened to him- I just really wanted my family and I (and all other families) to be really aware of what we re eating and to be excising daily, and getting checked up with doctors so we don't take advantage of the body we have.

On top of influencing me to make a healthy life for myself your story also helped me to see that I can Never quit- that even though I don't really know what I want to be, I have a ton of options open to me- and I just can't quit trying. Your whole presentation was so amazing and inspirational, I cannot tell you enough!

Also, I was not the only one who was impacted, a lot of my friends, and just random people I heard talking in the hall, were really really inspired and influenced by your presentation saying how they want to never quit doing this and doing that. Your whole presentation was just incredible! We loved how you and your brother set it up to be more relaxing and Q and A, instead of just preaching to us, this was a great idea and really made your points get across to everyone much better.

Also I LOVED what your brother said to the guys about loving, caring for and respecting girls, it was GREAT!!! I find it unbelievable that you haven't had a boyfriend! (I mean if such beautiful women's pro surfer can't get a great guy for a boyfriend, I seriously don't think there is any hope for the rest of us! ) Also, at the same time,- this is going to sound really weird- but I thought it was really cool because I haven't had a boyfriend either, but seeing you, made me realize I can be totally awesome without one! I thought just seeing you and hearing about you and all you and your family have overcome was amazing, but to actually SEE your Dad and HEAR him read that poem IF and sing that song with all of us, I mean, Wow, there are no words to express how breath taking and just truly amazing and inspirational that was!

I cant believe your only 21 and already have such an amazing grasp on life and have so much going for you and so much to offer! Anyway, I just really wanted to tell you all that and ask how my friends and I can help with your Beach Festival and become involved. You said something about having volunteers but I'm not sure how we go about becoming one. So whenever you get a chance if you could let me know, we would really like to help out!

Anyway thanks so much for coming to our school and really opening our schools eyes and giving an All-Around Amazing, Inspirational, Presentation! Good luck with your surfing!!

Sincerely,
Cathy
P.S.
Sorry this was really long!

Name: Rob Munchbach
Subject: Hi from a new fan
Sept 16, 2008

I read that you like diving with Wendell. Sasso? I'm told to mention I learned to surf with Darren Dean. Friends with Becky and Matt Tomlet? Yup, me too. Are you likely to surf any local swell we get from approaching storms? My pacemaker has healed, and my heart does allow me to surf a bit. I'll be at Jetty Park, but I would LOVE to meet you and chat out past the breakers.

Best Wishes,
Munchbach

Name: Yannick<br/> Subject: Film
Sept 15, 2008

hey :) i just wanted to say that your film was absolutely amazing.. the things you and your family went threw but you all kept strong!! you are an example realy :)
hope your family is ok and keep surfing because you rock lol :D
"never quit" :D

Name: Traci Cotton Delibasich
Subject: also grew up in the C.Z.
Sept 15, 2008

I was born in Gorgas, my dad was Fred Cotton, General Services Dir. He was born on the Atlantic side and his cousins are the Sassos and Wertzs. You probably know Wendall Sasso.

It was a great video and it is amazing how you learned to surf so well. My dream was to have a Christian camp in Panama and since Jan. 2001 we have been holding summer camps for children and young people near Chame, you'll have to come see it sometime. It is a beautiful piece of property. We have camp in Jan. and Feb. and our purpose is for children and young people to come and have a great, fun-filled week (many come on scholarships), but most important to share with them God's love and why He came to the world -to make a way for us to get to heaven through Jesus His Son who died on the cross to pay for our sins. It is the basic message of the bible and is so simple people miss it. All we have to do is believe and receive. I work a lot with kids in jails, orphanages, and they probably will never have much in life but if they have Christ in their heart they can have the hope of salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life knowing that no matter what happens to them one day ! they can know that they will be in heaven where there will be no more pain, tears, or trials.

You have everything going for you but I hope you have what matters most in life and really the only thing that matters - a personal relationship with Christ. If not, and you want to know more about what this means, I am available to help you in any way I can. Keep up the good work!
Traci

Name: Julie Brush
Subject: never give up
Sept 14, 2008

Karina. I was your dads home health nurse when he first came home from brooks rehab. I just had the honor of watching your clip "never give up" Your dad has made an amazing come back from when I last saw him and i am in awe!!!!!!!! Amazing! Your family is amazing and your dad is an inspiration!
Julie

Name: Kim
Subject: Thank you!
Sept 14, 2008

Hi Karina,
I was just emailed your NEVER QUIT video. I cannot tell you how wonderful it is! My dad too is going through the same thing your dad did/is. He had a brain hemorrhage January 8th, 2008. After all the surgeries, he was in a coma for 2 months and was never expected to improve much. An afternoon in March, I know he could understand me, he couldn't move nor speak, but a daughter knows. So I literally had to lobby to Doctors and the insurance company to continue his recovery in an acute hospital not a nursing home. He is now in a rehab center & he walked for the 1st time with a walker and 2 adults to support. He's going home for a day visit on His birthday next week. We are just so blessed and God is amazing. Thank you so much for the documentary, it came at a perfect time. Because no matter how strong we are, we are weak in quite moments. Your dad is amazing and I can see the great spirit he has in his eyes & I know he is so proud of you!
God bless!

Name: Hunter Tibiler
Subject: Great website.. Gatun Girl!!!!!
Sept 14, 2008

Hi Karina!
Awesome site Gatun Girl!! I was told about your site, and how well you have been doing, but just got around to look at it. Awesome pictures of you and your family, miss them!! Your Mom and Dad are awesome, give them my love and hope your dad is doing well. I got to see him at the reunion this year, he's still got that sparkle of life in his eyes. It was great to see him..

I'm meeting Erik in Panama in a few days, are you going to be able to make it? I hope to get some surfing in. Seems like all I do is fish with my dad when I visit, but this time I hope to hit a few old spots where I learned how to surf, like v-land off of devils.. Wow your pictures brought back memories..

Take care,
Hunter

Name: Randy DeGregori
Subject: Never Quit
Sept 14, 2008

Karina,
I served with the 49th MP company, Ft Gulick, Panama CZ 1967-69. Your video clip brought back memories of a special place. I was incensed when we gave the CZ to Panama although I understand it is in China's interest to maintain it today. The transition from long board to short took place during my time in Panama. At the time I couldn't understand what drove the change although I am mostly a short boarder today with 11 Fiji trips, Samoa and Indo on my resume. I completed 37 years with the Los Angeles County Lifeguards. I captained lifeguard boats for 10 years and retired as Chief in 2001. Now I can surf almost every day. The surf is pretty flat here in Malibu today and it is Sunday. I found your site on Surfline while checking the local conditions. Keep up the great work and attitude.

Name: Dahila
Subject: Yo
Sept 14, 2008

Never Quit..you should make it a t-shirt.....
Dahila

Never Quit Sept 14, 2008

Hi, Karina-
It was great seeing you while you were in town for your parents 40th! Nice to get waves while you were here, too. It was fun cooking chicken on the deck...thanks for keeping my thirst quenched with chilly cervezas... You have indeed lived a life most of us only fantasize about. It's been so much fun watching you grow and develop into a world class surfer (and individual) right here in our own back yard.

I love your mom and dad, and Sara and I feel blessed that our lives have crossed paths with Jerry and Reidunn's in this brief and random time we have on planet Earth. They are very special to us. Jerry is an inspiration, a miracle and my HERO.

I look forward to reading about your domination on the tour and hope to see you next time you're back in AB. NEVER QUIT!!!
Tom Smith