Riding a wave for a good cause
By Krystle J. Bailey
“My dad was my absolute best friend. He was a mentor to so many and just an all around great guy. He was always one of the guys”, says Lance Miller, in reference to his late father, Chip Miller.
Chip Miller, who lost his battle with Amyloidosis in 2004, was known worldwide for his love of Corvettes, his resilient positive attitude, and for creating the grandest Corvette event the world had ever seen – Corvettes at Carlisle.
The tangible things that Chip left behind, such as his expansive Corvette collection, and Carlisle Productions, are still celebrated today. However, it’s Chip’s legacy of love, resilience, and friendship that is continuing to impact generations of those he has never met.
Chip Miller’s son, Lance, describes his dad as someone who was just fun to be around. As a young boy, Lance recalls his dad being the parent that drove his friends around, took everyone on trips, surfed and raced with them, and always had hot chocolate waiting after fun in the cold. Lance’s friends looked at Chip as one of their friends, and an invaluable mentor. When Chip Miller passed in 2004, one of Lance’s closest friends was the one who said, “We have to do something special to honor your dad!”
So began the annual Chip Miller Surf Fest. Now in its 19th year, the Surf Fest has become the ultimate surf contest at the Jersey Shore, attracting some of the biggest names in surfing. The best east coast surfers compete throughout the day while families hang out on the Ocean City beach, where Chip Miller proudly raised his family. Family activities are held throughout the day at 7th Street during the contest.
Proceeds from this event, as well as the other events hosted by the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation, raise money and awareness for the disease that took Chip Miller’s life. Amyloidosis occurs when abnormal protein, called amyloid, builds up in one or more organs causing malfunction. Each year, 300 cases of amyloidosis are diagnosed in the United States. It generally manifests in middle-aged individuals although the disease has been seen in individuals in their thirties. Many individuals with Amyloidosis pass away from the disease, which is why awareness and research are so important to those affected. Information on Amyloidosis can be found at ChipMiller.org.
Lance, along with his friends and family, are proud that after 19 years, Chip Miller’s legacy still lives, and a positive impact is being made on so many lives. The foundation board is made up of those who knew and loved Chip, and continue to spread the positivity and the love of life that Chip embodied.
