A Jersey Twist on a Hawaiian Paddleout in Sea Bright

This special annual paddleout and fundraiser is in memory of Greg T. Hickman of Leonardo, who died from cancer on his 16th birthday.

In November of 2007, Gregory Thomas Hickman, who was 14 years old at that time, was diagnosed with a very rare form of pediatric cancer called rhabdomysarcoma. He was humble and brave in his battle against the disease that he called "overrated". It was just a short 16 months later that Greg lost his battle with cancer. He passed away at home on April 24th, 2009. It was his 16th birthday.

In memory of Greg, the family started the Greg T. Hickman Foundation to help support the children of other families who are faced with similar situations. The foundation also helps to fund high school scholarships for Middletown High School South students in memory of Greg.

In keeping with tradition, the Hickman family is holding the Third Annual G-Man Paddleout, which will be held April 28th, 2012, at the north end of the Water's Edge Beach Club in Sea Bright at 2pm sharp. Please park at the North end of the parking lot and use the North entrance.

This is a traditional Hawaiian paddleout, but with a Jersey twist, since Hawaiian paddleouts are held only once. Surfers will paddleout into the ocean and release flowers and share the experiences that they had with Greg before he passed away.

The Greg T. Hickman Foundation will be accepting donations during and after the paddleout, which are used to directly help other families in need.

For details on attending G-Fest afterwards, which includes the G-Band and bonfire (one of Greg's favorite gatherings), call 732-241-9759.