When Mike Coots first met JJ Reeder, he saw a younger version of himself. Both had survived shark attacks that changed their lives—Mike as an 18-year-old bodyboarder in Hawaii, JJ as a 10-year-old snorkeling in Florida. Each lost a leg, but neither lost their love for the ocean.

Nearly three decades after his own injury, Mike has built a life defined by resilience. As a professional photographer, surfer, and longtime CAF athlete, he’s spent years using his platform to show others that life after limb loss can be full of purpose. So when JJ began his recovery, Mike didn’t just offer words—he offered perspective.

The two connected through the Challenged Athletes Foundation, and their bond grew around one shared belief: movement heals. At the Switchfoot BRO-AM in Encinitas, Mike and JJ paddled out together for the first time. The ocean that once symbolized fear became a place of freedom again. Supported by CAF and cheered on by the community, JJ caught waves alongside the mentor who understood exactly what it took to get there.

Their story is proof of the ripple effect created when one athlete pays it forward. Mike’s experience helped JJ rediscover confidence; JJ’s courage reminded Mike why mentorship matters. Together, they showed what it means to rise—through sport, through connection, and through community.

Every gift to CAF makes stories like theirs possible. Your support provides the adaptive equipment, mentorship, and opportunity that allow athletes to find their way back to the activities—and the confidence—that define them.

Together, we move.

Your gift this holiday season helps create more stories like Mike and JJ’s.