Undergoing an Emergency Heart Surgery, the Brother of a Surfing Legend Seeks Prayers From the Sports World: “Need a Million of Them”

The sport of surfing owes no more for its thriving existence today than Hawaiian pioneer surfer Eddie Aikau. The legendary lifeguard-turned-surfer became a local hero for his lifesaving skills in Oahu in the 1960s. Among his contributions was also tutoring the sport to his younger brother Clyde Aikau. A legend in his own right, Clyde Aikau surfed his whole life from the mid-1960s and has earned a reputation for himself. Recently, as he is undergoing heart surgery, his nephews have pleaded with well-wishers to send in their prayers for a speedy recovery of their uncle.

Clyde Aikau is in the middle of heart transplant surgery at age 74. The risks are always high at his age, but a champion athlete might make it through it successfully. At least what his friends, family, and supporters are hoping for.

As the surfing legend is going through critical surgery, people offer support

A Facebook post by Kawika Kahiapo went, “Prayer warriors please unite with us. Lift up Uncle Clyde Aikau. Expanded aorta, going into surgery”. The pleading voice was evident in his words. He also mentioned that Aikau will also be attending the Native Hawaiian Advancement Council in Las Vegas soon.

Kahiapo continued, “MAJOR .. expanded Heart AORTA FROM 3 centimeters. To a massive 8 centimeters on the verge of BURSTING CANNOT FLY… open heart surgery tomorrow…” Clyde Aikau is currently recovering from his surgery, and he would need everyone’s prayers now more than ever.

Another Facebook post from his nephew Dave C Reynolds went, “I got a call from my Uncle Clyde Aikau yesterday. He was in Vegas and was feeling not right. He got himself checked out and discovered he has an aneurysm in his aorta”. The condition would mean that there is a swelling in the blood vessel, that might increase in size up to 50% more. Reynolds continued, “He couldn’t fly back home because it was too risky. Tomorrow morning 6/23 he is having heart surgery to save his life. I told him I will do what I can to help and try to get some prayers sent his way”.

An aortic aneurysm at his age is a scary encounter

This post was from a few days ago, and Aikau had just recently discovered the extent of his heart condition. Although the results of the surgery aren’t out, the anxiety regarding his well-being persists. An aortic aneurysm is very risky in the sense that the bulging aorta, the largest blood vessel, might rupture at any point. In such cases, 8 out of 10 times the patient doesn’t survive. Therefore, while the surgeons might be doing a great job, an outpour of prayers and well wishes are always welcome and it keeps the warmth and hope alive.

READ MORE – Due to Russia’s Mistake, US Athletes Still Deprived of Their Olympic Medal 500 Days After Winning: “Shocking Lack of Transparency”

Aikau is most famous for his classic win at the 1986 Quicksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau at Waimea Bay. He soon started to get recognized like his brother far and away in surfing circles. Modern surfer Billy Kemper once faced a near-death wipeout experience and thanked the entire Aikau family once after recovering and going to the Eddie Aikau surfing contest.

Watch this story – “Stage Is Set”: Big Update Ahead of Paris Olympics Leaves Suni Lee Excited