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 LRO Ambassador Wins 2008 OSCAR®
Congratulations to LRO Ambassador Xavier Horan for receiving his first OSCAR®! X worked on the “Best Sound Editing” team for their work on The Bourne Ultimatum. As a sound editor, Horan has worked on films that include The Bucket List, Things We Lost in the Fire, License to Wed and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. Congratulations X!
Young…Successful… Philanthropic
You CAN mix business with pleasure as we proudly launch the Active Young Professionals (AYP) of Life Rolls On. AYP hosted their first mixer on February 28th and encourages you to read on to learn how this exciting new group will benefit LRO, while promoting networking opportunities among some of the area’s best and brightest!
> Learn more about Active Young Professionals
 Mice with SCI Walk Again
In a recent study, scientists found that the central nervous system was able to reorganize itself after a spinal cord injury, which resulted in mice regaining the ability to walk. Learn how this latest development brings new hope to the SCI community.
> Read full article
 Quadriplegic Dumped from his Wheelchair by Sheriff Deputy
Spinal cord injury awareness and education remains at the forefront of LRO’s priorities. A recent incident of abuse by a sheriff’s deputy in Florida continues to demonstrate its importance. Read on to learn about quadriplegic Brian Sterner’s nightmare in Florida.
> Read full article
 Baby, It’s Cold Outside
As winter is still upon us, rain and snow are falling, even in typically-sunny California. Reprinted courtesy of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Life Rolls On is pleased to share tips with the SCI community, and those who care for them, on how to keep the wet weather from dampening their new year.
> Read full article
| Upcoming Events and Opportunities |
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Be a Part of LRO’s Biggest Events of the Year
Get in the know about Life Rolls On’s upcoming events, programs and community appearances. Read on to find out if LRO will be coming to a town near you!
The first They Will Surf Again of 2008 will take place at La Jolla Shores on Sunday, March 9. Event host Surf Diva will kick off the event by opening their boutique (2160 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, CA) for a Pre-Party and Retail Therapy Night on Saturday, March 8 from 6-9 PM. Stop by for the fun, entertainment and great shopping, as 20% of all sales that evening will benefit LRO.
 If you would like to help out at TWSA, needed are volunteers on land and in the water to help enhance the experience of those who will be surfing.
> Visit TWSA Website
> Register as a volunteer or participant
> Zex sports press release
Life Rolls On is pleased to present its first annual Family Fair on a local Los Angeles campus. Though the date and venue have yet to be finalized, this special event will welcome the SCI community and their families for a fantastic afternoon of education, support and fun. There will be workshops and classes ranging from financial planning to relationship issues to stress management techniques, as well as an information fair featuring entertainment and community resources. Needed are volunteers to help produce the event, experts in various fields to lead workshops and individuals to lend support on the day of the fair. As we hope to produce this unique educational forum early in the second quarter of the year, we ask prospective volunteers to sign up as early as possible.
> Volunteer for Family Fair
On Monday, July 21 at Malibu Country Club LRO will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its annual charity golf tournament. Planned to be the biggest and best yet, we are seeking volunteers for the tournament committee as well as on the day of the tournament itself. Whether you would like to help with sponsorship, course prizes, celebrity outreach, marketing or volunteer management, we would love to hear from you!
> Volunteer for July 21 Golf Tournament
This October, Life Rolls On will roll out the red carpet for its most glamorous bash of the year. Once again, we look forward to a capacity crowd, as we look towards making this the most successful gala to date. LRO is currently establishing committees for the following areas: sponsorship, auction, gift bag, program and volunteer. Due to the high-demands of these committees, please, serious inquiries only. Interested parties with previous experience in special events or fundraising will be given priority consideration.
> Volunteer for October Gala Event
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From the bright lights of Hollywood to the sandy white beaches in Florida, LRO has been busy buzzing the social circles throughout the country.
 Los Angeles, CA
LRO at the Los Angeles Marathon
On March 2nd, thousands of fans lined the 26.2 mile route of the 23rd Annual Los Angeles Marathon to cheer on more than 25,000 runners, walkers, bicycle riders and wheelchair racers, which included LRO ambassadors Aaron Baker and Ricky James.
James pushed his way to a time of one hour and 40 minutes to place 6th in a field of approximately 30  handcyclists. For Baker, a four-year veteran of the marathon, this race wasn’t about time finished, but how he did it.
Although battling the flu, Baker proudly debuted his ability to bicycle independently (he previously rode on a tandem bicycle throughout his cross-country “Rise Above Tour”). He highlighted his rehabilitative success by poignantly walking the last 400 yards to cross the finish line.
> Support Ricky James' racing efforts on behalf of LRO
> Support Aaron Baker's racing efforts on behalf of LRO
> Set up a fundraising page of your own!
 Pacific Beach, CA
AYP Mixer at Bareback Grill
A capacity crowd gathered at Bareback Grill for the Active Young Professionals of LRO premiere event on February 28. Some of San Diego’s top young executives from a variety of industries, including, but not limited to finance, real estate development, sales and marketing, journalism, law and medicine came together to learn about AYP, meet the organization’s board of directors and expand their social and professional network.
“It was a great turnout and we are pleased with the diversity of professionals who joined us tonight,” said AYP President Casey West. “We look forward to offering AYP members promising opportunities to grow their professional development and network, while supporting the important mission of LRO.”
Event host Bareback Grill donated the use of their venue and a portion of proceeds from food and drink sales to LRO. AYP also hosted an opportunity drawing for Life Rolls On, which included prizes generously donated by Chipotle and Pure Racing, among others.
AYP will have an information booth at the March 9 TWSA event at La Jolla Shores, as members are encouraged to participate in AYP’s first volunteer activity in support of LRO.
> For more information about future AYP activities, contact info@activeyoungpros.com
 Downtown Los Angeles, CA
Sports Legends Awards
On February 23 at The Omni Hotel, LRO Ambassador and motocross rider Ricky James proudly presented The Paralysis Project’s 2008 Bill Shoemaker Award to Hall of Fame motocross champion and ESPN Supercross analyst David Bailey. Bailey was honored for driving awareness about spinal cord injury and for his advocacy of the Leatt Brace, a revolutionary safety device worn by motocross racers. He was among fellow honorees Kevin Johnson (basketball), Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini (boxing), Luc Robitaille (hockey) and Jose Santos (thoroughbred racing), whose spectacular careers were celebrated at The Paralysis Project of America’s 17th Annual Sports Legends Awards.
 Santa Monica, CA
Happy Birthday Jesse Billauer!
The cold and rainy weather didn’t keep a capacity crowd from heating things up at Tengu Santa Monica for LRO Founder Jesse Billauer’s 29th birthday celebration. With DJ Mark Moreno spinning, Pinky Vodka flowing and sexy go-go dancers getting down on multiple stages, the party was hopping until 1:30 AM. Guests were treated to complimentary sushi and appetizers as well as a hosted bar and fabulous raffles prizes provided by ZJ Boarding House, Arbor Sports, Life Rolls On, Red Bull, Activision Games, and Hurley. All proceeds from raffle ticket sales benefited Life Rolls On.
“Jesse is my hero,” said Palomino, manager of Tengu. “It was my honor and pleasure that we were able to host his birthday celebration.”
Since opening about a year ago, Tengu has prided itself on balancing the feel of a traditional sushi bar with a modern party vibe. For many guests this was their first time at Tengu and they were impressed. “This is an amazing party and an amazing atmosphere, I’ll definitely have to come back here,” commented Yael Tzalka, “I can’t wait to get more involved with Life Rolls On.”
It was a birthday to remember for Jesse. Even his grandparents came to enjoy the festivities. The last song of the night? What else? Jesse’s Girl!
> More Photos on Zex Sports
 Hollywood, CA
LRO Parties at PARC
On January 31, the Society of Young Philanthropists hosted its first mixer of the New Year for some of LA’s most influential young professionals and named LRO the beneficiary of the evening. The exclusive cocktail reception had a line stretching Hollywood Boulevard of eager guests hoping for the chance to get beyond the velvet ropes. Among more than 350 guests were LRO Ambassadors Jesse Billauer and Xavier Horan as well as LRO staff members Kris Nakamura and Seth Rosenzweig. “We are very excited to support such an innovative and dynamic organization,” said Megan Prichard, Executive Director for SYP. “LRO’s work is truly inspirational and all of our members are looking forward to our next opportunity to work with Life Rolls On.”
> Learn more about the Society of Young Philanthropists
 New York, NY
LRO Supporter Rows Across Atlantic
On January 20, LRO supporter Ronnie Desiderio docked in Barbados after 36 straight days rowing across the Atlantic Ocean. Desiderio’s trip was made aboard the Atlantic Orca, which, through this journey, became the first multihull to be rowed across any of the world’s oceans from East to West. The race began on December 15 from the Canary Islands, after departing from Desiderio’s hometown of New York.
This journey was not only a personal test of strength and will, but also was a tool through which Ronnie raised funding for Life Rolls On. Friends and family were encouraged to support Desiderio’s efforts by pledging a donation to LRO for every mile that he rowed. His journey included storms, whales, schools of flying fish and even a bird that nearly flew the entire route overlooking the crew.
Life Rolls On could not be more proud of Ronnie and are thankful he made the trip home safely. If you would like to congratulate Ronnie on his remarkable feat, please visit his Team LRO pledge page, where you can leave well-wishes and a donation to assist him in reaching his fundraising goal.
> Contribute to Ronnie's efforts
 Half Moon Bay, CA
LRO Ambassador Represents at Mavericks
While the best big wave surfers from around the world were charging 25’ waves at the 2008 Mavericks Surf Contest on January 12, LRO Ambassador Christiaan Bailey, made his own splash by serving as a guest commentator alongside broadcaster Omar Etcheverry. Bailey spoke about Life Rolls On and its They Will Surf Again program, but then shocked viewers by stating, despite his paralysis, he was working on his own plans to surf Mavericks in the future. If you missed the webcast of the event, check out some of the highlights (MySpace link).
 Sebastian Inlet, FL
TWSA Expression Session Makes Waves in Florida
On January 6, Jesse Billauer and C.C. Roberts participated in LRO’s first-ever They Will Surf Again (TWSA) East Coast Expression during the O’Neill Sebastian Inlet Pro. “The crowd was way into the Expression Session,” said Van Starling, who helped coordinate the event. “Many of them were learning about Life Rolls On and its TWSA program for the first time.” Contest founder Mitch Varnes agreed, adding he looks forward to hosting another Expression Session at the contest next year. Life Rolls On appreciates the warm welcome from our friends in the Sunshine State and is excited to host at least two They Will Surf Again events in Florida later this year!
Hollywood, CA
2nd Annual Cake and Concert for a Cause
While most people look forward to receiving gifts on their birthday, Meijin Bruttomesso was focused on what she could do to help others. Combining her passions for music and philanthropy, Meijin organized her 2nd Annual Cake and Concert for a Cause, which included two shows on December 18 and 20 at legendary Hollywood hotspots The Viper Room and The Troubadour to benefit Life Rolls On. In lieu of gifts, Meijin urged her guests to make donations to LRO and rallied partners such as Indie 103.1, the clubs and the bands to support the cause.
Performers included Mighty Six Ninety, Test Your Reflex, IO Echo, Troy This, DJ Eldredge, Run Run Run, Ride on Rides, Nick Dixon and Raspberry Cocaine. “Not only am I enjoying awesome bands, but I am glad to be able to help a good cause,” said Jonathan Nisell, who attended the December 20th show.
 Students Finding a CURE!
LRO is thrilled to have received numerous inquiries from students wanting to start a C.U.R.E. S.C.I. (Campuses Understanding Responsible Education about Spinal Cord Injury) chapter at their high school or college.
> Get Involved and Read More about CURE SCI
Did You Know?
…Warner Brothers Studios recently donated more than 250 wetsuits and accessories to Life Rolls On’s They Will Surf Again program?
…Life Rolls On just won $1,000 from iGive.com just by someone surfing their retail site? Log onto iGive.com for more information about their Surfathon promotion. iGive.com features more than 680 popular retailers from Netflix to iTunes and a percentage of every purchase benefits LRO with no additional cost to you!
…LRO needs your help to regain its crown as the number one charity on MySpace.com? Join our group and encourage others to join too as we celebrate how life rolls on after SCI!
| Other Items of Interest |
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 Wanted! Volunteer Copywriter
Life Rolls On is seeking a volunteer copywriter for our e-newsletter. If you like to write creatively, have solid grammar skills and are interested in donating your time to LRO, we would love to hear from you! This position does not require office attendance, so out of state inquiries are welcome. Students interested in pursuing a career in journalism are encouraged to apply. A writing sample is requested from all interested parties.
> For more information, please contact Kris Nakamura, kris@liferollson.org
 New LRO Clothing Designs!
What do the following have in common - Seahawk, Tattoo, Lowrider, Heart, Louie & Stack? They are LRO's new clothing designs! Check out the new styles and colors.
> Visit the LRO Store
> Learn about our printing and fulfillment partner, Total Brand Delivery
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