The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation ("JMMF") is a non-profit, tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the life of our inspiration Jimmy Miller.

http://jimmymillerfoundation.org/

The JMMF provides free of charge its unique program of Ocean Therapy to the United States Marine Corps. Wounded Warrior Battalion-West, as well as the Veterans from the West LA Veterans Hospital and youth from several care and shelter facilities for abused and foster children. The JMMF Ocean Therapy program for the Marines takes place year round on the beach at Camp Pendleton and the program for the Veterans and children operates on the beach at Manhattan Beach, CA, during the spring and summer months.

The JMMF Ocean Therapy program combines occupational and recreational therapies with the sport of surfing in the healing environment of the ocean. Ocean Therapy is proven to assist recovery and rehabilitation for those challenged by Post Traumatic Stress Disorders ("PTSD",) traumatic brain injuries, and other emotional, mental and medical conditions. The JMMF team consists of professional occupational and psychological therapists, expert surf instructors, experienced water pros and lifeguards, and dedicated volunteers.

In the words of several wounded, ill and injured Marines and Veterans, "the Jimmy Miller Foundation's Ocean Therapy saves lives." Our dedicated professionals and volunteers can only continue to save lives and enhance recovery and rehabilitation with your generous help and support. Please visit the rest of our website for further details on the programs for the wounded warriors, Veterans, and abused children.

The Jimmy Miller Foundation currently serves Marines of the Wounded Warrior Battalions at Camp Pendleton and 29 Palms with unique, year-round Ocean Therapy sessions.Held on base at Camp Pendleton, the Ocean Therapy sessions provide the Marines with an opportunity to learn to surf in a supportive environment, while focusing on the therapeutic benefits of the ocean, the sport of surfing and the supportive community surrounding the surf culture.

Other aims of the program through occupational therapist led discussion sessions are increased perceived self-efficacy, patient advocacy and the process of recovery. Through the Ocean Therapy program, the Marines are first taught the basics of surfing on-land and then learn to surf with a personalized surf instructor in the water. The sport is adapted to meet any and all limiting physical and/or emotional challenges, so that every participant is successful. The supportive environment coupled with the resilience and physical aptitude of the Marines, lends itself to some of the most miraculous novice surfing skills ever witnessed.

Some of the common responses from the Marines include, “This is the best day I’ve had since my injury”, “This [surfing] is curing my PTSD”, and “Surfing saved my life”. Sessions occur twice per month on base at Camp Pendleton. We encourage carpooling from the South Bay and local participation from Orange County and San Diego based volunteers. Please see the Ocean Therapy section for further details and Ocean Therapy dates.