I’d like to introduce all of you to an old friend of mine– Jeff Peterson. He’s doing some really great things that we’d like to share with you. This is a very compelling story and a noble & worthy cause. For more info or to get involved, please check out his website – www.petersonfamilyfoundation.org.

Tom

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Jeff with his two sons

Roy’s: Jeff, tell us how you and Tom met, what has lead you to live the “beach lifestyle” and how you became a fan of Roy’s?

Jeff: Tom and I first met at U.C. Berkeley, where we played baseball for the Golden Bears. Since we were both from beach towns, we had a lot in common from the start. I learned how to surf in Santa Cruz, CA when I was 12 years old. I fell in love with the life style and ocean. Every time I went to surf, my adrenaline would pump up and I couldn’t wait to get in the water. After a couple hours of surfing, I would be energized for the rest of the day. I always thought that the original board shorts were Hang 10 and Quicksilver, but the original board shorts were created by Roy’s in 1952. I love history, and am so happy that Roy’ s’ has carried forward the great California surf tradition. The story of Roy’s is a mandatory read for all California surfers, no matter what age. This is the true “bitch’n” and “boss.” Roy’s apparel is the best line out there.

Roy’s: Thanks for the compliments. We’re having a lot of fun with what we’re doing with Roy’s. Tell us a little about your foundation – the story behind it & what your goals are.

Jeff: My wife Karen, who also shared a love for the ocean and the “lifestyle”, was taken by a rare form lung cancer in 2002. The mission of the Foundation is to seek out and support experts and institutions dedicated to enhancing and improving the lives of people afflicted by mesothelioma, pediatric diabetes and pediatric leukemia.

What was created was something to help inspire people and their family members to persevere during a health crisis.

Roy’s: What would you like to see the Foundation involved in, in the future?

Jeff: The continued search for benevolent grants and charities, which would improve the quality of life for all affected by life altering health issues. Most importantly, bringing hope to those in need and offering advice to the care keepers and family members who are under tremendous stress who need to continue to have as much of a normal life as possible. The foundation is also getting more directly involved with research into diabetes, leukemia and lung cancer.

Roy’s: What has been the most rewarding part about starting this foundation?

Jeff: Seeing how we have positively affected and contributed to those who were needing support.

Roy’s: What is the most exciting or promising endeavor the Peterson Foundation is involved with?

Jeff: The Foundation is very excited to have become a collaborative partner with Pinpoint Genomics. Genomics, the study of gene expression and function, can be used to develop clinically validated, individualized tumor profiles, which may greatly improve the quality of treatment decisions for patients with cancer.

Roy’s: What would you say to someone who is going through the same thing you went through, what words of wisdom can you offer to someone now that you wish someone had said to you in 2002?

Jeff: Whether you have cancer, or are helping a loved one with the disease and its many side effects, I encourage you to make healing a top priority. Exercise daily, spend time with healthy, happy, positive people, watch funny movies, play with your dog, ride a horse, eat organic food and learn about herbs, vitamins and minerals. Find a good therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist. Don’t be afraid to ask about taking anti-depressants. They’ve helped millions of people and saved thousands of lives. Allow time for your loved ones to get away and to re-energize. Feeling that they have to be there all the time only creates exhaustion.

Roy’s: How has this process changed you as a person & your outlook on life?

Jeff: I’ve realized that no one is immortal, no matter what age. Life is fleeting. At any age, and at any time we can leave this world. There are so many distractions in this world; we all get caught up in the minutia of technology. Having a quality of life allows you to observe the time and live more in the present. “Don’t be anxious for tomorrow, let tomorrow be anxious for itself”

Roys: Thanks for sharing your story Jeff! This is truly a great cause. If anyone wants to get involved or contribute, please visit www.petersonfamilyfoundation.org the Foundation’s website at . To contact Jeff, click the “ Our Story” link or go to the contributions page to learn how to contribute.

Jeff hanging in Greece sporting some Roy's gear.