Independent Lens . HEART OF THE SEA . Talkback

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5/15/03
Jaime B.
San Diego, CA
It has been almost a week since I watched the documentary about "Aunty Rell" and not a day has passed since when I did not think of this truly outstanding and inspirational person. She has touched my life in a way no one has before and has given me a different perspective in life. I feel I must share this with everyone I come in contact with. I will start by talking about her in my speech class tonight. My gratitude to you, the filmmakers, and especially to "Aunty Rell".

5/15/03
Christy
Anaheim, CA
WOW! This was one incredible woman. We can only hope that we all had her spirit/drive/inner beauty (and outer too). I can't wait to tell all my friends to watch - and would love to also get on DVD - and give gifts to friends. I think it was so inspiring to see that she even had men looking at what an inspiration she was to them also! Thank you for sharing this story!

5/14/03
This film was tremendous, a fitting tribute to a beautiful (in all senses of the word)lady and pioneer! I just happened upon it late one night on TV, and the fact that it was a female surfer featured drew me in. I went to Makaha a few years back for vacation, and had (embarrassingly) never heard of Rell Sunn. She grew up with nature, as part of her physical surroundings (Makaha, though a poorer area,is stunningly beautiful), and as part of her life metaphor. "Heart of the Sea" was so touching, inspiring, and heartbreaking. Next time I am sick or hurt, I will think of Rell Sunn's example, and how she continued surfing and helping others despite three periods of chemo, bone transplants, and metastasis. Please keep on making wonderful films like these!!!:)

5/14/03
rand u.
honolulu, hawaii
What an incredibly beautiful spirit. My only suggestion to the directors is that they make the program available on DVD. Bravo for an excellent story of real significance.

5/14/03
char
bonita, ca
while channel "surfing" the other night, i ran across this interesting show, "heart of the sea." i was taken back at her courageous struggle with breast cancer. i lost my mom 11 yrs ago to breast cancer which had spread to her liver; my mom never let her illness get in the way. she carried forth as did rell and i am encouraged to know that deep down inside all of us, we must share our world with others. women like rell are rare and i can only hope that i could have 1/100 the impact on people that she had. what a woman!

5/14/03
Nancy Swaim
To The Producers:
Saw the story of Rell Sunn, who had to be one of the most dynamics chicks ever put on the planet. If this woman's story is not an inspiration to everyone, there is no such thing. Also loved the music (especially the late Israel K, one of my faves) and the use of the historic footage.

The turtle shot at the end is brilliant. The entire program is lyrical.This woman was an organic creature who knew how to live and how to die. She sets an extraordinary example for all of us in our journey.And again, as it cannot be repeated often enough, we learn the lesson of breast cancer treatment and early intervention. I would like the program to be repeated so I can tell more people to watch it.

It is a rare example of spending time watching something that really does improve one's quality of life.
Thank you

5/14/03
John Richey
Ventura, CA
Thank you so much for making and airing this film. Only an hour after learning about Rell, this woman has touched my life in a profound way, years after her passing. She has become a hero to me when I have none. I strive to be a better human being just from watching this film. Thank you.

5/14/03
Bob Hillier
Hilo and Honolulu, HI
Mahalo for the powerful and beautiful video. Rather than repeating the poignant comments of other Talkback responders, I want to comment on the technical excellent of the video. The blend of visuals, commentary from Rell Sun and the people who knew her, and the musical score is powerful. Each sight and sound reinforces the messages of this powerful video. I am especially moved by the clips of Rell dancing hula AND surfing matched perfectly with Ledward Kaapana's rendition of "Luau Hula."

5/14/03
Thank you for the gift of Rell Sunn's life story. Her ways are truly heroic to me in my own search to become the best person and athlete that I can be.

5/13/03
Veronica Ortiz
I found Rell's life story to be so inspirational. I'm currently going through some health problems (kidney failure) and I can't believe the strength of this remarkable woman. She was always thinking of others. Not just people but the health of the planet that we live in. Thank you for telling Rell's story.

5/13/03
Chris Foley
Redondo Beach, CA
I had seen short clips of Reel surfing from the past. I just did not know what she was fighting. The film was so very well done. I am still thinking about what I watched last Saturday night. I want all surfers to watch and grow from this film. Thank you for making it.

5/13/03 This film was the most inspiring story I have ever been exposed to. What a wonderful woman. I have no interest in surfing but I admire strong women. How can one person have so much love and the ability to keep on giving while facing what she went through. I wish I had known her--what an inspiration to women everywhere. I wish I could have been her friend. The film was so well done that as a viewer I felt that Aunty Rell had touched my life, my soul.

5/13/03
Jim Guido
Los Angeles, CA
Wow. While my eyes were filled with tears after watching the program my heart is filled with admiration and respect for Rell. What a great example and inspiration for all of us on how to live life! What an amazing human being.

If I can live my life at 10% of how she lived life it will have been a full and rewarding life. I also have a new understanding of some of the things a woman with breast cancer has to deal with. I had no idea how difficult that situation can be.

Thank you for presenting this incredible program. I want all my friends to see it and meet Rell.

5/13/03
This film was the most inspiring story I have ever been exposed to. What a wonderful woman. I have no interest in surfing but I admire strong women. How can one person have so much love and the ability to keep on giving while facing what she went through. I wish I had known her--what an inspiration to women everywhere. I wish I could have been her friend. The film was so well done that as a viewer I felt that Aunty Rell had touched my life, my soul.

5/13/03
My son yelled come quick Mom Rells on T.V. To young to have known her yet he has heard so many stories of Rell, he has even been touched by her Aloha. We left Makaha not long after she was diagnosed with cancer. We cried at all the suffering we saw in this beautiful woman, she touched the lives of everyone she came in contact with and her smile was contagious. We shared many days on the beach together, and have so many wonderful photo's of better days. We will never forget the Queen of Makaha!

5/13/03
Wen
Sun Valley, CA
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
I just finished watching "Heart of the Sea" and couldn't wait to download a picture of Rell Sunn to hang in my daughters rooms! I couldn't think of a better role model for both of my daughters (2 1/2 and 5 months old) to look up to and become inspired by. My husband surfs and all of our family trips are based around surfing. We love surfing and the ocean so much that we named our oldest daughter Kai which means sea in Hawaiian. It would have been an honor to meet Rell Sunn, but since we can't, I want her to be remembered forever in our family as a loving, strong, determined, beautiful woman who brings inspiration to us all! Live life to the fullest! Surf on Rell!

5/13/03
Donnis Thompson
Florida
I don't know if it is because I was born at the edge of the sea, the Atlantic off Florida shores and share a love of the sea and all creatures in it, but Rell's story touched something deep. It was comforting to realize that we are all connected to the sea, whether by the souls of our ancestors, or a primal knowledge that the sea is truly our origin. For those of us who have had mastectomies, or who have fought the odds, Rell's story becomes a lighthouse, a guide to courage and enjoying life in the face of darker times, and having no fear. Thank you for this. DT

5/13/03
patti zieg
long beach, ca
My grandmother is 96 years old and is on hospice care in my home. my gift to myself was that I spent mother's day with her. While she napped, I turned on pbs and received my second gift that day: the documentary on rell sunn. it seems that today we are so short on heroes and i felt completely inspired and warmed by rell's spirit and passion. i want to buy the video so that i can show it to my high school students. they need to learn about this heroic woman who had her priorities in life absolutely straight. kids today need to know that beauty,strength and admiration comes from people who have renn's values, not from plastic surgeons and luxury cars and couture clothes. living in southern california, it is disheartening to see how much hollywood affects these kids and renn's story inspired me that the values of family, friends,aloha, ocean and music are the best of all.

5/13/03
Susan Komanetsky
Thank you for telling this story - hearing about Rell Sunn has brought home to me how powerful and beautiful it is to simply be one's self; to be true to what you love. Rell will always be a role model for me, her example gives me the courage to try and do something that sounds so simple but which is often very difficult - just to be myself. I am very grateful to pbs for bringing the stories of remarkable women like Rell to the forefront - we don't hear nearly enough in our culture about such glorious women. Aloha Auntie Rell

5/13/03
Tony S. Nejad
Dear I.L.,
I happen to tape the "Heart of the sea" purely by accident, as I was taping the Bill Moyer's interview with Bill Gates. And just today Sunday again I was channel surfing and there it was a again; the repeat of the film. I was first fascinated about this beautiful woman who surfed with such grace; I really got more absorbed by her personality and her inner beauty. I know nothing about surfing and I have never been to Hawaii and I certainly have not ever heard of "Rell Sunn" before, but what drew into this film was Rell herself and that I could not stop to cry at the end of the film. I think both Charlotte Lagarde and Lisa Denker need to be congratulated for making such a power full and inspirational film; I can only tell you as a ex-film student you have succeeded in telling story of one person who did make a difference in her community; and this person can be and was an inspiration to both genders. I agree with you Ms. Lagarde, we do live in a world today "bombarded by negativism" and filled with layers of aberration and we need stories like "Rell Sunn" who somehow remind us how life can be so simple and beautiful and is what you put in it.

You know, I went on-line and found every web site on Rell Sunn and printed some of her pictures, because I don't want to forget this person who was among the angels that once walked this earth. I wish you both continue success in your film careers.

5/12/03
Andrew Cowell
San Clemente, California
Aloha Rell,
I miss you, although I never met you. My tears, like winter's rain, continue to fall. You were my doorway into Aloha. I'll never forget. Thank you. Surf with Aloha,
Andrew

5/12/03
Shane Milam
Prescott Arizona
What a wonderful,extrordinary,and beautiful woman.The definition of a good hearted gracious human being.I was litterally mesmorized by the stunning way that this woman carried herself through life!She more than brought womens surfing to the forefront,Aunty Rell cared for, nurtured, and inspired people of all walks of life,young and old.I am, in a lot of ways, have been touched by her and yet have never met her.I myself am inspired by the way Hawaiian culture itself defined her life.Seeing the way Rell Sunn's eyes light up while telling of her Hawaiian culture traditions the couple of years she lived in Oklahoma.If you really wanted to know more about Aunty Rell,just get the chance to talk too all the many friends,kids,or perhaps even family,"wait,"wasn't everyone family to Rell?I recently had the privilage of visiting Ohau with my beautiful wife.I can assure you next time,I will be paying a much anticipated visit to the Makaha beach area to learn more about Rell and to pay much deserved respect! Thank you or should I say Mahalo! Shane

5/12/03
Michele Dunphe
South Port.,Maine
I pre-set my VCR for this broadcast,trully not knowing the subject matter. The next am.,as I set myself up on my couch with my am. heating pads due to a chronic illness ,I tuned into Rell Sunn an her inspirational story. Her story ,I'm sure moved many people for their own reasons.For myself ,it was the relation to the life of having an illness at a young age an the sea."You don't look at life by years but,by pills and pain",the comments of how "good" she looked after she had just vomited from treatments. O' how those words rang so true to my life.As well, as the infinate love and freedom the sea brings to my life as well. I quickly E-mailed this story to others who can fully relate to the whole of Rell's experiance. Thank-you so much for reminding this "mainer",that the surf will soon be warm enough to free me once again! It's been a long winter. I wonder if there are other's who watched this an could relate to it as personnally as I did.? Thanks again

5/12/03
Rob Patterson
Laguna Beach, CA
A wonderful story of a wonderful people and a very special woman. Rell clearly was a special person taken too soon, but only after reminding us of the special gift that life is - especially if you take the time to appreciate it in the natural environment. Much Aloha Rell

5/12/03
Shane Milam
This is the first time I learned of such a incredible human being,extrordinary woman. I was mesmorized by her amazing courage, spirit, heart, and beauty! I'm sitting here literraly feeled with so many emotions. This woman will always be an inspiration to all who have known her, or in my case all that have even had the pure Joy of learning about Aunty Rell. I recently visited Ohau. I know now, I must return, if only so I can go into the ocean at Makaha to be closer to her. Believe it or not I'm 36 years old, married with 3 wonderful kids,and I want everyone of them to learn about Aunty Rell! Thank You! or is it Mahalo!

5/12/03
David O
Dana Point, California
First of all, I want to thank the filmmakers Lisa Denker and Charlotte Lagarde for truly one of the best films I've ever seen. I started surfing in the early 1970's and learned of Rell in Surfer and Surfing magazines. I loved her grace and of course her beauty and to learn more of her Aloha Spirit was an added ingredient of inspiration to me. My fiancee watched the film with me not knowing who Rell was until last night and she was blown away at Rell's will to live and how she lived life to the fullest with such class and poise. I will definitly show this film to my 3 young children who all surf, and let them see what the true meaning of Aloha is. What a beautiful foundation to anyone suffering or not in building character or self esteem. Much praise to all who contributed to the film. Mahalo and Aloha.

5/12/03
Marlene
I happened upon this bio of Rell Sunn and though my situation is very, very different, I am still thinking about what I have seen. I witnessed how she confronted her illness and continued to live her life to the fullest. Since I have some health problems (at 70 years old) I think of her and how would she have handled it had she made this age. A beautiful woman in mind, body and soul. I have learned much and when I get discouraged I'll think of her. Such a kick in my to make me quit feeling sorry for myself. No doubt, this is the most inspiring story I've ever seen. How can you thank someone whose life was so different, someone I never knew about until this story. A beautiful person sent down to beautiful Hawaii, how much more perfect can it get.

5/12/03
Melody May
Hermosa Beach, CA
play it again!!! play it again!!! Thank you for that beautiful program about Rell Sunn. I lived in Hawaii for 6 years (Hau'ula and Hawaii Kai). I surfed at Makaha. I never got to meet Rell, but she is my idol. the most beautiful woman in the world. thank you for sharing her beauty with the world true aloha spirit! there are many other treasures from hawaii, I hope to see more stories. I had to leave Hawaii when my partner of 13 years was dying from lung cancer. Now I am fighting and being treated for Hepititis C myself. Seeing Rell's story has inspired me to get back into the water, even though this treatment is kicking my butt. Mahalo and Aloha, Melody Serene May

5/12/03
Mele McPherson
Molokai, Hawaii
Wow. What an absolutely amazing documentary. Im not normally a very emotional person, but I was bawling my eyes out from the part that you showed Rell on a boogie board being pushed onto a wave. What a truly moving, inspiring, and just beautiful job youve done of portraying such a beautiful person. Growing up in Hawaii, you couldnt NOT have heard of Rell Sunn, the Queen of Makaha but I never would have known how much more there was to that title. Im so grateful to have seen this, everyone should be so fortunate. E mahalo nui loa ia 'oe e ka Mo'i Wahine 'o Makaha no kou Aloha, kou 'Ike, a me kou 'Uhane Maoli. E ola mau ana kou 'uhane i loko no o makou, na wahine he'e nalu...Maha i ka Haku.

5/12/03
Gary Lovell
Shelby Twp., Mi.
My wife and I just watched Heart of the Sea. what a great show ! Not a dry face in our house. Rell died in body only. Her spirit will live on. We just returned from Kauai, where my ashes will be spread similarly where my soul wishes to stay. Mahalo a nui loa for this show.

5/12/03
Kapeka
Ka'a'awa, Hawaii
Mahalo for sharing the life of our beloved Aunty Rell in this beautiful film. Her indominable spirit continues to inspire everyone who knew her and, from reading the messages here, I know she is not just Hawaii's treasure now, but the world's.

5/12/03
Brian
ny ny
I thought the film was incredibly powerful. Rell Sunn was such a strong person. She never gave up. I felt so sad toward the end of the film as she received help from her friends to paddle out.

5/12/03
J. Sekiguchi
Flintridge, CA
Mahalo nui loa for PBS and the many for all their kokua (help) in creating the most moving and poignant documentaries, we as viewers have had the privelege to see. Rell Sun has been an inspiration to me throughout my life as a surfer of 23 years. Her courageousness and benevolence have been the mana (power) which I often tap into in times of difficulty. She has touched my life and as a health care provider her story helps to encourage and give hope to cancer fighters / survivors I encounter. As a woman surfer she inspired menehune like myself and broke down many gender barriers in the water. Her style, incoprorating power and grace, affected the illusion of walking on water which commanded the respect of the most hardcore, weathered guys in the water. She approached life in the same way she surfed with beauty and dignity. Rell's inspiration was the sea and her desire was to show the children the pandora's box that lie at their feet along the sand. She was a gift to us and now her dreams and her spirt will live on in those menehune who were lucky enough to call her 'auntie' and now in us too. Again thank you very, very much.

5/12/03
JoAnn Johansen
Kaunakakai, HI
A beautiful film about a beautiful woman. Words cannot describe the effect Rell's story had on me, a lover of the ocean and a cancer survivor.

5/12/03
Jake Pugh
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
I just finished watching Heart of the Sea on PBS. It really put me in a good place.

My family is leaving next Monday from the Mainlaind to take my father's ashes back to Hanalei, Kauai where he wanted to go after his passing. My parents owned a house on the island for many years and dad loved to surf the bay and Pinetrees. My dad, Denny Pugh, was a life long surfer from the South Bay of Los Angeles. He brought my sister and I up and around the ocean from a very early age. Dad passed on in December after a two year bout with stomach cancer. He is missed by many.

Watching the story about Rell really was an inspiration to me and helped me understand some of the things my dad stood for and went through. Thank you.
Jake Pugh

5/12/03
MARK SCHWICHTENBERG
MEMPHIS,TN
AS A LONG TIME RESIDENT OF HAWAII, I OF COURSE KNEW WHO RELL SUNN WAS. HER GIVING SELFLESS LIFE IS AN INSPIRATION TO EVERYONE.ALL TO OFTEN ADVERSITY BRINGS OUT THE WORST IN US. IN RELLS CASE IT ONLY BROUGHT OUT THE BEST.GOD BLESSED ME BY ALLOWING ME TO SEE THIS PROGRAM THE EVENING BEFORE MY SURGERY. WITH THE INSPIRATION OF RELLS LIFE, MY SURGERY HAS BEEN "NO BIG TING!"I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER AUNTY RELL.

5/12/03
Giles Bumpas
Glendale, AZ
This is one of the most beautiful and moving documentaries I have ever seen, because of the scenes of Hawaii and the sharing of Rell's life. I had never heard of Rell Sunn before, and I have to admit that it did not occur to me until the last five minutes that she had passed. Rell Sunn will be remembered for the size of her talent and the size of her heart. The film made it clear that her Hawaiian heritage taught her not to be afraid of the sea, because her ancestors were there to protect her. It not only was safe for her, it nourished her. It only made sense that her many, many friends and admirers would be there to celebrate her return to her ancestors in one of the most devastatingly moving scenes I have ever attempted to watch through my tears.

5/12/03
Don Hope
West Hartford, CT
Rell Sun was a beautiful young athlete, she was wonderfully graceful on the surfboard. The film showed that she had a beautiful and graceful spirit. Her courage in living life to the fullest and giving to others in the face of her own adversity touched my heart.

5/12/03
Barbara Sanders
Long Beach CA
Thank you! Thank you!Thank you PBS for airing this extrordinary documentary. In a world of constant coverage of every horrible thing that happens all around the world, it was so nurturing to see this beautiful story of a life "Well Lived" in spite of its brevity. Our hearts are aching for this kind of programing and I for one want to express my thanks for KCET having the courage to produce this type of programming. May you continue to have the same courage that this beautiful woman had and keep providing us with these excellent examples of what we all should be doing with our lives.

5/12/03
Barbara Williams
Haleiwa HI
Rell was one of the most beautiful all around people that have ever graced the earth and sea. Her interests in making the kids feel really good about surfing and themselves will live in many hearts. She certainly is in mine and my sons. Her Menehune contests were a big part of my sons growing up. He was there smiling with her in a close up and I remembered it like it was yesterday.

5/12/03
Thank you for the gift, "Heart of the Sea." I so appreciate providing the organization for independent filmmakers to get their work to a larger audience.

This profile was nothing less than phenomenal. I feel that I knew Rell and grateful that she blessed our world.
Judy Holmes

5/12/03
just fininished watching "Heart of the sea" very inspiring to watch... I usually don't watch cancer flicks being a ex-cancer patient... I myself was given 4 weeks to live 20 years ago... just wished Rell would have checked into alternative to AMA ... i bet if she would have blown off her docs... she would have been alive today... its hard to hear of all the suffering she went thru... hopefully breast cancer patients will check out.. the copperhead snake cure...for breast cancer...its only one bite... no xrays chemo...or surgery... just one bite... and the ama even admit that it works... just that the ama claims there are not enough snakes in the country... (they probably need 10,000 snakes to get the meds for one patient) so lately they have been trying to genitalically duplicate the copperhead snake venomn... by the time the ama does this thousands of women will have died....painful... deaths...

just my 2 cents ...
foote
california...
www.mydoctor2.com

5/12/03
Thank you for Heart of the Sea! I was living in Hawaii during Rell Sunn's illness and death. After leaving Hawaii, I went to a fund raiser for Heart of the Sea here in New York. Please send me a complete list of funding at sandyryn@dmcom.net

5/12/03
Rod Morita
Aloha,
I was flipping through the channels and happened upon your documentary. It was the most beautiful and moving piece I have seen in a long time. Maybe I'm biased because I also surf and live here on Oahu. Rell's courage was beautifully depicted.
I would like to obtain a video tape of this documentary to allow my grown children to view and experience this amazing person. Please tell me where I can purchase a copy. Mahalo nui loa,
Rod Morita

5/7/03
Geralyn (Gibson) Rangel
Lake Jackson, TX
I just finished watching Heart of the Sea, and I am wiping the tears from my eyes. I almost don't know where to begin. I remember watching Rell surf on t.v. as a kid. Growing up in Kailua on Oahu, she inspired me to learn how to surf. Being from the mainland I wanted to "fit in". My love for the ocean and everything about Hawaii really took root from there. After being away for the past eight years, this exceptional film brought me home. Rell's tremendous spirit and love for life is an inspiration to all women.

5/7/03
Yolanda Rodriguez
San Jose, Ca
What an inspiration this women was and continues to be....... About a year ago, my ob/gym discovered a lump in my breast. I was terrified to death over having to have a biopsy. The doctors did not seem worried but they did want to remove it to test it and to be on the safe side. They sensed my fear and gave me an opion - the first was that I could give myself frequent breast exams to monitor any changes or to have it removed and tested. Because of my age the specialist I was sent to said that it probably wasn't anything to be concerned with. I was so happy that I was given an option and that they would not have to cut into my breast. But after watching your program I have decided to have it removed. This program taught me not to gamble with life or not to sit and wait to see if it gets bigger or not. This program has really opened my eyes. Fear or no fear, I'm having my lump removed. Thank You so much for airing this program and for allowing me the pleasure into the life of an extraordinary women.

5/7/03
Marty Meade
Forest Knolls
This was one of the most breathtaking films that I have seen in years.... As a 64 year old mom, I never quite understood the pull of the ocean for my youngest son....
I too, am supporting my brother in his fight for cancer, as he is living in our home. HIs young children came to live with us..... In the midst of my friends concerns, about "when am I going to take care of myself?"... this film reminded me of unconditional love, and why I'm here..

5/7/03
thank you for bringing to my attention this remarkable woman ...great documentary

5/7/03
I learned of Rell from my surfer son. He was in awe of her as a surfer and a water woman and basically as a human being. When I began to read about and come across articles about Rell there was no doubt about what a powerful spirit she was. She was one of the few people that I encounter who has touched me at a deep level acting as an inpiration to the fact that we are all meant to be more than what we settle for.

I saw only a portion of the documentary last night but once again I am inspired by this soul of the sea to head for Hawaii and live there for a while something I have always dreamed of.

Thanks for providing something of love and light in the midst of the mediocre and mindless that is engulfing our culture and minds.

5/7/03
Noreen M. Newell
New York NY 10009
As an Urban Dweller surrounded by concrete, I especially loved the Hawaiian scenery. The woman profiled is a very inspiring figure for all of us. Thanks for presenting this.

5/7/03
Ron Flanagan
Tulsa, Ok
Unbelievable. One of the most awe inspiring stories I've seen. What a wonderful person Rell Sunn was, what a wonderful example she is, and always will be. Thank you, PBS, for sharing this story with us.

5/7/03
Tina
Naugatuck, CT
If you ask what Rell Sunn would be remembered for during the first half of the film I believe it would be her undying love of the sea and her contributions to surfing. But if you ask that same question during the second half of the film, she will be remembered for her dignity and spirit. I walked away from this film with such thankfulness to Rell Sunn for reminding me that life is to be lived for the short time that we are here. What an amazing woman! Cancer could not stop this beautiful soul will an unending smile. Thank you for sharing her story.

5/7/03
Fran Eaker
Baldwin, New York
Your documentary on the life of Rell Sunn was so incredibly inspirational. I never knew this beautiful woman existed yet at the end of the film my heart ached for the loss of such a vibrant life. She was an amazingly brave and free spirited woman who lived and loved life even in times of illness and adversity. If I can feel this great loss after knowing about her for 60 minutes, I can only imagine how the Hawaiian people must feel.

5/7/03
Frank Corradino
Rome, NY
I never knew of Rell before viewing the film but I am now in awe of her. She will be remembered for her courage and for her love and respect for people, children and nature. I lost my wife of 30 years to breast cancer a year ago and I feel deeply moved by the film and by the knowledge of Rell that it gave me. I have an inkling of the suffering caused by chemotherapy and I admire how both my wife and Rell were able to smile through it.

5/7/03
Beth
Richmond, VA
I thought that this was a wonderful film that I would definetly recommend to others. Rell was an inspiring person, beautiful and lived her life to the fullest.

5/7/03
Don Paul Martin
What a truly inspiring, heartbreaking, and beautiful account of a pioneer to women's sports. I think she will be remembered as a true activist; not only to breast cancer awareness and the advancement of women in sport, but also for her very warm, optimistic, and caring form of communitarianism. Her energy involved her in so many activities -- perhaps small activities at first but which became much larger and more important later -- that stirred enthusiasm in children. This form of activism -- Rell's form -- should be looked at by those who think activism is only walking around while holding a sign. I think Rell left a lovely legacy not only in sports, but also with the children of Hawaii. Bless her heart.

5/7/03
Moi Young
Pearl City, Hi 96782
Rell Sunn paved the way by striving and giving the sport her best for it was her whole life. She will be best rembered for her grace and beauty on the longboard and for sharing and using her experience with cancer to educate people. The menehunes will always remember and love her for she built their self esteem. Rell loved the ocean and her Hawaiian name connects her to that which is very much a part of her.

5/7/03
Clifford and Christina Betson
Nanakuli, Hawaii
Rells story was very personal for me because my wifes mother also died recently of cancer. Her name was Lesa Lagotala. She was a native Samoan who spent many years of her life living in Nanakuli, Hawaii. My wife spent all of her life living on the Local side of Oahu(WEST COAST). Me and my wife are students at UC Berkeley in Northern California. We both took off from school for a semester to go and spend as much time as possible with her because the cancer was begining to take her away from us. Seeing the film, and Rell living so close to us Farrington Hwy drivers touched me because many of the places see visited and things see did I often found myself doing. Just to know that another strong bueatiful mother was going the same thing my mother in Law went through allowed me to realize that we are not alone. My mother (Lesa), and Rell are talking story about us down here. The memorial given for Rell was so touching because I know the feeling that those friends and family felt that day taking here ashes i nto the ocean. The beach location seemed like the well know Yokahama beach area located on Farrington Highway, Waianaae. Sorry for wrong spelling. Many of the symptoms expressed by Rell and her family, reminded me of Lesa and her battle with her cancer. Lesa was the best grandmother in the world, who never let cancer come in between her and her grand children. My wife and I were giving a blessing will spending those last days with our Lesa. Two months before Lesa passed away my wife dellivered our second daughter Lesa Lahze Aulele B. Lesa (mother) was giving the opportunity to spend time with her new granddaughter Lesa. As often as possible we would have big family gathering, usually every weekend at Alamoana beach, were Lesa would use all her energy to take care of her new grand daughter. Those days will never be forgotten along with OUR LOVE Lesa and Rell.

To: LESA and RELL, please never stop talking story. We will keep your souls alive through the joy that you gave us all. I'll make sure to watch over our ohanas so that we all live to see many years. But the day that we meet again will be a very pristine moment that will take away the killer wound we all have wore since you both left us. Mom I'll never forget your lovely SAMOAN accent that fought off english words. From the first time I met you I called you mom because I knew we would be apart of each others lives forever. Thank you Rell for giving me the opportunity to write you both from my heart. May our Most High keep you both under his wing at all time. Also mom please take care of Naea Jahzara B. Im happy to know she's with you. You know we never wanted to let her go. For she was your third GrandDAUGHTER . Please mom Naea will need your guidence because we never got to do so. Well love you Mom and Rell, Da Kine will never change. Mikana street will always be your home. To our heavenly Angels,
From your earthly son,
CLIFF

5/7/03
Keoki Billington
Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii
Wonderful! My wife and I both believe this is one of the best documentaries we have ever seen. I did not know Rell. However, I know people who knew her and I have had occasion to meet her sister, here on Maui. What a beautiful, giving and remarkably alive human being Rell was.

I had wanted to surf since I was in kindergarden in the Philippine Islands. Later, moving to Colorado put an end to that dream. Finally, at age 30, on the Oregon Coast, I had my first surf experience. Now, living on Maui,I can surf outside my front door.

Having seen Rell on a previous video truly helped my appreciation for the ocean, diving, swimming and especially surfing. Mahalo for this spectacular video. Heart of the Sea is a perfect and deely moving way to honor who Rell was and how her spirit will continue to live in so many people.

After getting tired of watching me from the beach for 2 years, my wife expressed interest in learning to surf. Bi-lateral artificial hip replacements made us consider options that would be acceptable and (relatively) safe. We spoke with famed longboard shaper, Bob "OLE" Olson. He crafted a longboard with a foam inlay to protect and pad her hips. She does not stand up; however, she catches the waves and rides them boogie board style and just has a great time. On one wave, she even "caught air" on the takeoff. Wow!

Thank you for the gift you have given us in making Heart of the Sea. Surfing and loving the ocean around Maui, No Ka Oi, the best. Aloha, Keoki

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