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Virgen: Kirby, a highlight during Pipeline to a Cure gala

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The majority of attendees had left the Huntington Beach Hyatt on Saturday night, but Noelle Kirby and friends continued to dance while Flashback Heart Attack performed.

The band plays 80s music, and Kirby was definitely in the mood to get up on stage and sing along toward the end of the eighth annual Pipeline to a Cure charity gala for cystic fibrosis.

The song choice was fitting.

Kirby belted out, “Don’t Stop Believing,” by Journey. Kirby and the CF community continue to believe a cure will be found for the disease. Pipeline to a Cure is certainly doing its best to help that cause.

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The event, which featured some of the biggest names in the surfing industry, raised $610,000 through silent and live auctions and generous contributions from attending guests.

Kirby lives with CF, the disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. The average life span of someone with CF is 37 years old.

The Kirby family was honored Saturday night with the Emily Heroes Award, named after CF ambassador Emily Haager who lost her battle with CF in 2010.

Steve Kirby, Noelle’s father-in-law, accepted the award on behalf of the family.

“Noelle has shown us the true spirit of fighting and we believe that together a cure is possible,” Steve Kirby said. “CF is going to be cured in my lifetime.”

The night also featured a remembrance of Sam Couch, the Newport Harbor High alumnus and former Newport Aquatic Center coach who died of CF about a year ago. NAC Director Billy Whitford, also a Newport Harbor alum, was recognized for his contributions.

The Pipeline to a Cure gala is a celebration for the discovery that those with CF who surf have significantly healthier lungs. Doctors have determined that inhaling saltwater mist has a powerful effect on rehydrating the lining of the lungs, which allows cystic fibrosis patients to more easily eliminate bacteria contaminated mucus.

Those with CF can surf to improve their health, but they don’t have to surf like Laird Hamilton and his friends. Hardly anyone can surf like him.

Hamilton and Dave Kalama, Pipeline honorary co-chairs, along with Brett Lickle treated the audience to tales of death defying surfing adventures on 80-foot waves.

For eight years, Pipeline to a Cure has impacted the CF community since the inaugural event in 2007. In total, $4.3 million in Cystic Fibrosis Foundation research contributions can be directly attributed to Pipeline to a Cure.

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