"He has been the sole provider for his son after his wife died in 2018, but due to the medical issue, he has not been able to work."
If you kicked around in the nineties, back when surf mags were everything and the photographers were lords of the realm, you’d know the name Hank Foto, the photo credit for Newport’s Brian Stephens who migrated to the North Shore in his teens.
For decades, Hank, a hard-livin’ wildman who sure didn’t leave any stone unturned, hit every swell and shot the biggest names in the game surfing the biggest waves, and always produced, to the delight of photo editors around the world, sheets of the prettiest transparencies.
Now, ol Hank, is getting close to the finish line as he deals with the last stages of pancreatic cancer.
Knowing Hank’s nihilist and absurdist take on life, he’s probably pretty philosophical about death, we all gotta go at some point, but since his wife died eight years back, he’s been a single daddy to son Fender…and that makes saying goodbye hard.
And, so, a fund has been launched to help with medical costs and to look after Fender once his daddy has gone.
Twenty gees of 80 sought, so far, Kai Lenny has thrown in a couple of c-notes, and Japanese style king Takuji Masuda is the top donor with two gees.
Hank Foto (Brian Stephen) was diagnosed with a serious medical disease in December of 2025. Since then, he has been receiving treatment. He has been the sole provider for his 15-year-old son and himself after his wife died in 2018, but due to the medical issue, he has not been able to work. Much of his treatment has not been covered by insurance, leaving him in a difficult financial situation.
Knowing the seriousness of his disease, Hank is fighting this battle not only for himself but for his son, Fender. Hank became a changed man after Fender came into his life. They have built a special father-son relationship through their connection with the ocean, surfing, and the amazing community of friends and family on the North Shore of Oahu. Your kindness and generosity will help Hank continue this fight and support his family during this challenging time. The money raised through this fundraiser will be used to cover the medical costs of Hank’s treatments. All support is greatly appreciated by Hank, Fender, and their friends and family.
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I’m a friend of Hanks. He is in ICU, refusing chemo and his energy has faded. A childhood friend of Hank has moved to Oahu to help w all Hanks personal stuff and to look after Fender. I see all the other surf publications were tagged in that IG post and you guys are the only ones I’ve seen sharing this news. Mahalo
Hopefully he’ll agree to an interview as this is the story we need!
Reminds me of Timo. Gods best to Hank and Fender.
Doesn’t there come a point where one less aircraft carrier might just make universal health cover worth it?
Every American friend I have agonizes about their health insurance.
not to worry, we’re all covered by go fund me. donate here here and here
Pancreatic cancer is an awful disease – silent until it very much is not. A couple of years ago, I lost my younger brother to it less than three weeks after he was diagnosed. I hope Hank gets the help he needs both financially and medically, and Fender has his dad around for long time.
truly