Out of a tragedy, came hope to help others.
Manhattan Beach’s Jimmy Miller, at 35 years old, died by suicide in August 2004, leaving his family and numerous friends in shock.
His mother, Nancy Miller, and other family members helped form the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation the year following his death to continue his surfing legacy and to support those struggling with mental and physical challenges.
In a recent phone interview, the elder Miller said she and her family have been grateful for JMMF as part of the “healing time we’ve had to go through” following her son’s death.
“We started as a little family foundation with an incredible idea that surfing can help those with mental and physical needs and injuries and illnesses,” she said.
The foundation has grown since its inception, from initially focusing on “at-promise” youth to recently expanding and launching a program aimed at helping first responders.
