Horry County Woman’s Last Wish: A Surfing Adventure
Horry County, S.C. – In a heartwarming tale of determination and joy, a local woman made waves – quite literally – as she fulfilled her lifelong dream to go surfing just months before succumbing to a tough battle with cancer. The community reflects on the life of 75-year-old Susan Rossman, who sadly passed away on Friday morning after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July.
A Dream Come True
Back in September, Susan captured hearts when she shared her story of wanting to go surfing as her final bucket list item. It was a dream that had sparked a glimmer of hope in her during her difficult journey with cancer. “It was the most exhilarating experience I’ve ever had,” she gushed after hitting the waves. Her spirit shone bright and her enthusiasm was contagious.
The way Susan made her surfing dream come true was by teaming up with the Surf Dreams Foundation. Its executive director, Phil Jackson, joined her for a practice run on Labor Day. And oh, what a day it was! With the ocean breeze and the sun shining down, she found a moment of pure bliss. “That feeling of freedom and not thinking, ‘gee, I’m going to be dying soon,’” Susan reflected. She embraced the moment, as only she could, stating, “Just living in the moment, catching the wave, going over the wave, not caring what my hair looked like or that my bathing suit was almost falling off—it was everything!”
Riding the Waves of Life
And ride the waves she did! Susan was able to catch three stunning waves that day, and as she rode them all the way back to shore, her beaming smile was proof of a dream fulfilled. “I just want to be alive, and being out there made me really feel alive,” she said, leaving friends and family members with memories that they will hold onto forever.
A Fond Farewell
On Monday, friends and family gathered to celebrate Susan’s life at a graveside service held at Ocean Woods Memorial Cemetery. The love and laughter shared during the service highlighted how much she meant to her family and the community. Susan’s adventurous spirit and zest for life will surely be missed by everyone who knew her.
Leaving a Legacy
Susan’s story is a poignant reminder of the power of dreams, even in the face of adversity. She showed everyone around her that it’s never too late to embrace life and chase after our passions. With a heart full of courage, she defied her circumstances and reminded us all of the importance of living fully, regardless of the challenges we face.
The community of Horry County is coming together, sharing stories of Susan’s inspiring life and the indelible mark she left on everyone’s hearts. Let her spirit encourage us to pursue our own dreams, no matter how big or small. And, who knows? Maybe the next wave is just waiting for you!
As we reflect on Susan’s life and her incredible surfing adventure, let’s remember to take some time for ourselves, appreciate the little things, and love fiercely. Because, just like Susan, we all deserve our moments of pure joy.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
