Spring 2025

142 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 5 Melissa’s final wish was to have her story shared through a documentary in order to raise awareness and give hope to those with cystic fibrosis. Her enthusiasm for life, bravery, persistence and kindness is celebrated in “Paddle Out.” Photo: Courtesy of the Pappageorgas Family surfer Jack Johnson offered the use of three of his songs for the film. “He shared the same phi- losophy as Melissa, that surfing and the ocean can save your life,” Lee says. Emmy-award win- ning filmmaker Andrew Seigman stepped in as a co-producer, along with many other talented storytellers, who Lee says immediately jumped at the chance to help. “A lot of people were pouring in their love,” Lee says.“700 people came to her life celebration, and there was a double rainbow.There was a lot of magic.” O’Neill is planning to sponsor a screening of the film on the Monterey Peninsula soon,and details will be available at www.paddleoutfilm.com. “We want to continue to use the film to keep fundraising for cystic fibrosis,” Lee says. The contrast between the hypnotically beau- tiful ocean footage, shot with special drones, and Melissa’s raw suffering, shown with sometimes graphic vulnerability, takes viewers on an emo- tional trajectory that is both heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful.Tangible signs of joy, like hum- mingbirds, which Melissa wrote about in her journal, continually appeared after her death, even perching on her mother Lori’s finger. “We all want evidence that she is around,” Lee shares. “A lot of her friends got humming- bird tattoos. I believe in this good energy.” Chris says that Melissa’s experience has given him an even deeper compassion for other people. “Sharing her story and inspiring kids with cystic fibrosis to get in the water was her last wish,” Chris says. “That’s why we are so sup- portive of the film. I love the beautiful moments we get to watch, like when she takes her surfboard off her car and heads into the water. Melissa was a team builder and a great leader. She exemplified that she would do whatever she could in those three years she had with new lungs, and she lived those years wonderfully.” For more information, visit The Living Breath Foundation at www.livingbreathfoundation.org, “Paddle Out” at www.paddleoutfilm.com, and the Mauli Ola Foundation at www.mauliola.org . Tragically, Melissa was losing her battle with cystic fibrosis, and her heart was also failing. When she was put on life support in 2018, family and friends rushed to her hospital bed.