In Memory of
Kristen Bednar

Photo provided by Lennon Photo

In late 2006, I was speaking with my father and we were discussing various aspects of surfing and kids. My father haphazardly said, "Imagine if we could get kids that you work with at Community Options to ride some waves!"

That is all I needed to hear. I started researching surfing and children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and found that there were tremendous benefits for children with ASDs and aquatic therapy. My father and I worked diligently together to put together the first iMatter Surf Camp for Children with Autism that subsequently took place in August of 2007.

Prior to our first camp, my father was determined to get me in touch with this wonderful girl he had spent years surfing with and whom he thought would be a tremendous asset to the camp.

The day that I met Kristen Bednar, my spirit immediately connected with her spirit and we became instant friends. She was the kind of person that when you were in her presence, you always felt good. She was so determined to see the surf camp be successful.

The first year we did the surf camp, it was absolutely freezing out. The water was frigid but Kristen didn't care. She threw on her wetsuit and spent hours in the water with the kids. The joy on her face when working with the kids whether in the water or on the sand was amazing. She had this amazing connection to kids; they were always drawn to her benevolence. I received so much positive feedback from families about Kristen and how patient, kind and loving she was when working with their children.

After the first surf camp, Kristen contacted me and said that her school, Birch Lane Elementary School was doing a Hop for Health fundraiser and for 2008, they chose Community Options and the surf camp as the beneficiary of the camp. Kristen worked so hard to ensure that the fundraiser was a success. And it was. Because of Kristen's efforts and the diligence of her student's, the Hop for Health raised over $12,000 for the surf camp. It was an amazing night.

Kristen always stayed very close to the planning and implementation of all aspects of the surf camp. She would always check in with me throughout the year and I with her about what was going on and how we could make it even more successful. Turned out, we had created a camp that was unique in what it offered and has become very popular on Long Island. Kristen was our lead female volunteer of the iMatter Surf Camp. She was a go-to person and our biggest advocate.

When my father called me to tell me the tragic news of Kristen's sudden passing, time stood still. I could not believe what I was hearing and everything became very fuzzy. How could this be? I still cannot comprehend this loss but have gained strength through Kristen's memory and the time we shared in addition to her phenomenal family, especially, her husband Michael Bednar.

The outpouring of love and support that has been shown from all across the country in support of the iMatter Surf Camp for Children with Autism in Kristen's honor has been incredibly moving and inspirational. All across the country, schools and groups are doing their own fundraisers to raise money for the camp in Kristen's honor. The support for the iMatter Surf Camp, because of the love and admiration they feel for Kristen, has made the surf camp the most successful recreational program for youth with disabilities in the country.

Each iMatter Surf Camp for Children with Autism that is held, starting with the camp on August 14, 2010, will always be in Kristen’s memory and honor. Her presence will always be a part of the surf camp and our lives, forever.

We love you, Kristen.