5 Questions with Mauli Ola Director Hans Hagen

Community

Jul 26, 2019

GoPro is pumped to participate in the 12th Annual Breath of Life Golf Tournament hosted by the Mauli Ola Foundation.

We caught up with the Mauli Ola Foundation Executive Director, Hans Hagen for a chat about the organization. They have an amazing mission to provide hope and confidence to individuals living with genetic diseases. Harnessing the healing powers of the ocean, Mauli Ola introduces surfing and ocean-based activities as natural therapies.

GoPro: Tell me about Mauli Ola: the mission, the name, where did that come from?

Hans: The Mauli Ola Foundation name was coined by Tom Pohaku Stone, a legendary native Hawaiian surfer and waterman who has been on a life long journey in search of his cultural heritage. When he learned about the pure connection of cystic fibrosis (CF) and the healing properties of the ocean he said: It has to be called Mauli Ola," which in Hawaiian means Breath of Life.

How does the water help with cystic fibrosis?

Breathing in the salt water vapors from crashing waves thins mucus and promotes productive coughing. This helps clear CF lungs of bacteria-harboring mucus.

What's your favorite moment / what's the most rewarding part of your work?

For me, it's all about connecting with these families all around the country who deal with the day to day struggles of CF and help take a load off for them. I'm immensely inspired by the determination of these kids living with CF and how they seem to truly value the moment of trying something outside their comfort zone.

Tell me about the Breath of Life Fundraiser? How did the tournament start?

This fundraiser has been around for as long as the Mauli Ola Foundation, it's the first one we ever did and helped put our mission on the map.

Do you have a favorite way to get the shot out on the water with your GoPro?

I use the GoPro HERO7 Black with a mouth piece and floaty. I try to get as close as possible on the pass bys with the kids to immortalize their ear-to-ear grins as they glide pass. Follow-cam is always fun too :)

If you're in the area, stop by GoPro at Hole 1 for a hi-5 and take a shot at the long-distance dizzy corn hole for the chance to win a GoPro!

LINK:	https://gopro.com/en/gb/news/getting-to-know-mauli-ola-foundation-...
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