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 LRO Golf Tournament Celebrates 10-Year Milestone
Ten years later, the Life Rolls On Charity Golf Tournament is still going strong! Join us on Monday, July 21 at Malibu Country Club for a beautiful day on the links while supporting Life Rolls On. With celebrity guests, fantastic prizes and fun contests in store, the 10th Anniversary Life Rolls On Charity Golf Tournament is an event not to be missed! Foursome, individual golfer and event sponsorship packages are available now. For more information, please read the 2008 LRO Golf Tournament Sponsorship Deck.
> Online Registration
> Check out Registration & Sponsorship Opportunities
 LRO Announces New Ambassador
Life Rolls On is pleased to announce champion BMX and mountain bike racer Tara Llanes has joined the organization as its newest LRO Ambassador. As extraordinary individuals with spinal cord injury, LRO Ambassadors promote the mission and good will of Life Rolls On by providing mentoring support for young people with newly sustained SCI, shifting negative stereotypes about disability by excelling in their areas of expertise, and creating opportunities to share the importance of SCI awareness and education with the general public.
"I am very excited to become part of the LRO family and work as an Ambassador of the program alongside some other amazing people and talented athletes,” said Tara. “I look forward to pushing the bounds of possibility and changing the face of disability."
 A world-class athlete, Llanes sustained an L-1 spinal cord injury while racing in the Jeep King of the Mountain finale in Beaver Creek, Colorado on September 1, 2007. A dear friend to everyone in the BMX and mountain biking communities, Tara’s fierce competitiveness, aggressive riding style, and “never say die” attitude have served as inspiration to her competitors and spectators throughout her career.
“We are delighted to have Tara represent Life Rolls On Foundation,” said Ross Garrett, Chairman of the LRO Ambassador Review Committee. “She personifies all of the remarkable attributes we believe make an LRO Ambassador so special. Not only is she an accomplished athlete, polished leader and exemplary human being, but also she continues to seek opportunities for new challenges. We know that as an LRO Ambassador she will continue to serve as a role model, inspiring countless others who come to know her and her story.”
> Watch Tara’s feature on Access Hollywood
> Learn more about her by visiting her website
 LRO Awards Three Grants to SCI Research
In March, Life Rolls On Foundation made its largest donation to funding spinal cord injury research by awarding three grants totaling $60,000. Grant recipients included the Reeve-Irvine Research Center at the University of California at Irvine, The Tuszynski Laboratory at the University of California at San Diego and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.
Thank you so much,” said Dr. Hans Keirstead, Associate Professor at the Reeve-Irvine Research Center, and the Co-Director of the Stem Cell Research Center at the University of California at Irvine. “We are really making strides with our chronic research and couldn’t have done this without you.”
LRO Welcomes New Advisory Committee Members
Life Rolls On is honored to welcome renowned physicians Dr. Robert Watkins, Jr. and Dr. Suzy Kim to its Medical and Research Advisory Committee. Dr. Watkins is a second-generation spine surgeon and co-director of the Marina Spine Center, headquartered in Marina del Rey, California, while Dr. Kim recently joined the staff of UC Irvine’s Reeve-Irvine Research Center as an assistant clinical professor/director of education and scientific liaison. She is a physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation, specializing in SCI medicine.
 During medical school, Dr. Kim sustained a C-7 spinal cord injury while bodysurfing, so she is able to offer unique insight not only from a medical perspective, but also from someone with first-hand knowledge of living with SCI. “I am excited to be a part of LRO’s Medical and Research Advisory Committee,” said Dr. Kim. “I especially look forward to offering guidance regarding the importance of maintaining one’s health after SCI.”
 For Dr. Watkins, supporting Life Rolls On has been a family affair, as he, along with his father Dr. Robert Watkins, Sr. and brother Andrew Watkins annually attend Night by the Ocean and have supported LRO through their former charitable organization Spine in Sports (now part of Life Rolls On). "I'm excited be a part of Life Rolls On and hope to help in any way possible,” said Dr. Watkins.
LRO developed a Medical and Research Advisory Committee to provide guidance for shaping its programmatic efforts as well as ensure the organization stays abreast of the latest medical and research developments with regard to SCI.
“We are fortunate to benefit from the experience and leadership of such prominent medical authorities,” said LRO Chairman Josh Billauer. “Through this advisory committee, LRO will continue its commitment to offering beneficiaries and their families with the most effective quality of life programs and comprehensive information about spinal cord injury.”
Photo Credit: Marina Spine Center (Dr. Watkins); the Rehabilitation Center at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (Dr. Kim)
 30 Days In A Wheelchair
On Tuesday, June 10, the FX television show “30 Days” (created by LRO Board Member Morgan Spurlock) will feature former Denver Bronco and Superbowl Champion Ray Crockett spending 30 days living in a wheelchair.
 He will rely on his mental discipline to keep his legs immobile, while his home and car will be retrofitted to accommodate his needs. Coaching duties for his son’s football team will continue and Ray will join the Texas Stampede, the wheelchair rugby team featuring players made famous in the documentary Murderball. He will attend a weekly support group at the Baylor Institute of Rehabilitation and meet with a physical therapist to monitor potential side effects.
> More information about the show (Official Website)
 Program Provides Free LASIK Surgery for Quadriplegics
Having a spinal cord injury makes some degree of dependence a way of life. For some, even small tasks like cleaning eyeglasses or inserting contact lenses can be an insurmountable barrier. Now, two of the country’s leading refractive surgeons have created a program to give quadriplegics clear vision.
> Read Article
| LRO Events |
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Benefit Concert in Manhattan Beach, California
On Thursday, May 29 at 8PM, Life Rolls On will have its first fundraiser in Los Angeles’ South Bay. LRO will be the beneficiary of Listen Entertainment’s “Intimate Thursdays” acoustic concert series at 12 + HIGHLAND, Manhattan Beach’s newest hotspot - with a sexy vibe and a menu as delectable as its entertainment. 100% of ticket sales will benefit Life Rolls On.
> For dinner reservations and bottle service, call (310) 545-1881 and for more information, visit www.listenentertainment.net. 21+.
Abilities Expo Comes to Southern California
The Abilities Expo, one of the country’s most popular conventions for independent and assisted living products and services, will come to Anaheim, California on Friday, May 30 through Sunday, June 1 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Attendees scan spend hours testing and comparing products and services offered by state-of-the-art exhibitors as well as participate in a full line-up of free consumer and professional workshops, led by leaders in the healthcare, education and retail industries.
Stop by the Life Rolls On booth and meet LRO Ambassadors, including Life Rolls On founder Jesse Billauer, who will be signing autographs at select times during the Expo. Also, don’t miss LRO Ambassador Patrick Ivison’s presentation: "Being a Teen and Having Fun in Your Wheelchair!" on Sunday at 11:30 AM or performances by LRO Ambassador Briana Walker with the Colours in Motion Wheelchairs Dance Team on Friday and Saturday at 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM.
LRO is seeking volunteers to provide on-site staffing for its exhibit booth.
> To lend your support, complete the LRO Volunteer Form
> Learn more about the Abilities Expo
> Get your FREE ticket to the event, compliments of Life Rolls On Foundation.
LRO at the US Open of Surfing
Life Rolls On has once again been named the official charity of the US Open of Surfing? The event will take place July 18-27 in Huntington Beach, California. LRO is currently seeking volunteers to assist in the Expression Session on Saturday, July 26 as well as staff the LRO booth, which will be open from July 24-27. Experienced watermen/waterwomen only for the Expression Session, please.
> Volunteer for the US Open
They Will Surf Again
With the summer approaching, They Will Surf Again will be heading to at least 8 more cities throughout the United States, including new stops in New Jersey and Virginia.
> To volunteer and learn more about these events, visit the TWSA schedule.
 5th Annual Night by the Ocean
On October 12, Life Rolls On will roll out the red carpet at the prestigious Kodak Theater for its most glamorous bash of the year. Once again, we anticipate 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.
TWSA Coast to Coast
Two to four-foot glassy waves and 75 degrees with a sunny sky, the conditions could not have been better at La Jolla Shores on Sunday, March 9, as LRO’s They Will Surf Again program made its return to San Diego, California. Twenty-five injured athletes charged the waves with the help of over 150 volunteers, making this the largest TWSA to date – a record that would be shattered only a couple months later.
 La Jolla-based Surf Diva Surf School, kicked-off TWSA the night before by hosting a “Retail Therapy Night” fundraiser to benefit Life Rolls On Foundation. The next morning, the “Divas” were up bright and early to help LRO organize the main event and assist participants with catching some waves.
"The event was a fantastic success! The vibe on the beach was electric with so many stoked surfers helping others to share the stoke of surfing,” said Surf Diva founder Izzy Tihanyi. “I don't know who had more fun - the participants or our Surf Diva Surf School team of instructors!”
The Divas also graciously provided Surf Diva trucker hats to all TWSA participants and volunteers as a token of appreciation for being a part of such a memorable day.
> Video Video of TWSA San Diego (hosted on MySpace)
> Photos of TWSA San Diego
 After an amazing start to the TWSA season, Life Rolls On then headed to Jacksonville Beach, Florida for its second TWSA of the year. Made possible through the commitment of dedicated volunteers including John Wyatt, Valerie Zevens, Carl Bergstrom and headed by Brooks Rehabilitation Center’s Alice Krauss, the team’s efforts resulted in the most successful TWSA to date. Thanks to the TWSA event committee, Brooks Rehabilitation Center, EPIC Surf Ministries, Christian Surfers and Sisters of the Sea, the event set a new attendance record with 30 disabled athletes and more than 175 volunteers.
“The way this community comes together to support each other is absolutely amazing,” said LRO Program Director Seth Rosenzweig, who attended the event. “Thanks to Alice’s leadership and the amazing team of volunteers, I’m confident there will be many more successful TWSAs at Jax Beach to come.”
< View Photos from TWSA Jacksonville Beach
Photo credits to Susan Uston and Lenny Wiersma
 2008 Rise Above Tour
On June 10, in San Francisco, California, LRO Ambassador Aaron Baker will kick-off the 2008 Rise Above Tour in San Francisco, California in which he will bicycle across the United States to generate awareness about SCI, demonstrate the power of rehabilitation and raise funding for his non-profit organization C.O.R.E (Center of Rehabilitative Exercise).
Baker will bike the Transamerica Trail, which will take him through Salt Lake City, Utah; Denver, Colorado; St. Louis, Missouri; Columbus, Ohio; eventually to his final destination, Washington D.C. Much like last year’s tour which stretched from San Diego, California to St. Augustine, Florida, Aaron will visit hospitals and rehabilitation centers throughout the country to inspire others to continue to push the bounds of possibility.
By completing last year’s inaugural 3,182-mile Rise Above Tour, Baker was recognized as the first quadriplegic to bicycle across the United States.
Aaron invites the public to join him at the starting line for this year’s tour at the Golden Gate Bridge and welcomes any interested cyclists to join him along parts of his journey.
> Watch, participate in, or donate to the 2008 Rise Above Tour
> Read Aaron's Ambassador Spotlight
 Ricky James Posts Three Consecutive Wins in the 2008 West Coast Pro Truck Series
Life Rolls On Ambassador Ricky James captured three straight wins in four races to become the point leader in the West Coast Pro Truck (WCPT) Series. Racing a Chevy Silverado, James, 19, who competes against able-bodied drivers, captured his first WCPT win at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, California on March 29. He also set the fastest qualifying time of 19.934 seconds, nearly shattering the track record.
 The following week, James took the pole again for his second win on the same track. He qualified in first place with a fast time of 19.96 seconds and went on to take the lead on lap 21 to post a 2.650-second margin of victory over 14 other trucks in the 30-lap main event, caution-free, race.
James seized his third win in Lake Havasu, Arizona on April 19, where he set a course record of 16.08 seconds during a qualifying race and went on to win the 50-lap main event at Havasu 95 Speedway.
Most recently, for the 6th round of the 2008 WCPT Series, which took place on May 17 at the Las Vegas Bull Ring, James put in the fastest qualifying time for the 6th straight time and finished a strong second place in the 40-lap main event. His next race will take place on June 14 at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale where his truck will debut a fresh new look, body and paint scheme.
 A T-6/7 paraplegic as result of a 2005 motocross accident, James has no feeling from the chest down, but uses hand controls to operate his family-owned truck. He began racing trucks after his friend and fellow motocross racer/paraplegic Michael Young raced a pro truck successfully. James raced four times as a 2007 WCPT rookie. He numbered his truck "eight over 24" because he was born on 8/24 and used No. 824 on his motocross motorcycle.
In March, James prepared for the 2008 WCPT season by training for the annual Los Angeles Marathon. He finished the 26.2-mile event in fifth place overall in the Hand Crank Bicycle Division, posting a time of one hour and 40 minutes.
In addition to racing trucks and motocross, James also participates in triathlons. He will leave on May 28 to compete in the 2008 Ironman 70.3 Hawaii. “I love to compete and love to race, whether it is trucks or bikes, it is just great to be out there again,” says James. “Winning makes it even sweeter.”
The 2008 WCPT season continues through November. Check out the full WCPT schedule to watch Ricky race, and for more information about Ricky James visit his website.
Photo Credit: Marv Keller (Headshot). All others courtesy of the James Family
 CURE SCI Begins to Make Waves
LRO’s CURE SCI (Campuses Understanding Responsible Education About Spinal Cord Injuries) program continues to flourish. Dedicated to promoting awareness and education about SCI and LRO on high school and college campuses.
> Read on to find out how some of our CURE SCI chapters are making a difference in their communities
Active Young Pros Prepare for a Busy Summer Schedule
The Active Young Professionals of Life Rolls On Foundation continues to grow with members joining from throughout Southern California. In March, AYP members were on hand to celebrate They Will Surf Again’s return to San Diego by volunteering at the La Jolla Shores event.
Starting in June, AYP’s schedule begins a flurry of activity. Be sure to check out the AYP booth at the 4th Annual Switchfoot Bro-Am on June 7 at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, California. The Bro-Am, which includes a surf contest and concert, is one of San Diego’s most popular events, attended by nearly 6,000 beachgoers.
Next up, AYP will host a mixer at 7:30PM on June 12 at U-31 Cocktail Lounge and Bar. Opened in 2007, U-31 is one of San Diego’s most exciting nightlife destinations that boasts the best DJs, live music, eclectic acts, fashion shows, private parties, bottle service, billiards, dancing, great drink specials and more.
On July 12, AYP will organize a group activity at Petco Park to watch the San Diego Padres take on the Atlanta Braves. Join AYP members for an evening of networking, while indulging in some Cracker Jack® and watching America’s favorite pastime. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Life Rolls On
AYP is also seeking members to volunteer for Life Rolls On 10th Anniversary Charity Golf Tournament on July 21 at Malibu Country Club as well as participate on various committees to support AYP’s growth and activities.
> Learn more about AYP by visiting www.activeyoungpros.com or for questions about volunteer or event opportunities, e-mail info@activeyoungpros.com.
 Whelan Brothers Make Fundraising a Family Affair
On April 26, long-time LRO volunteer Ken Whelan and his brother Colin hosted a 1st Annual Beer Pong Tournament among friends and family at SOUTH, Santa Monica’s newest hotspot for good ol’ Southern comfort food and hospitality.
A great mix of young professionals from Virgin Atlantic to Chipotle to Coca-Cola came to support the event. Also joining in the fun were members of Tulane University’s alumni association, who were dining nearby and couldn’t resist the invitation to play beer pong while benefiting a worthy cause.
“This was so much fun,” said attendee Vanessa Bonifacio. “I had no idea what to expect, but the food and company were great and it was a cool to learn about LRO.”
SOUTH owners proudly sported Life Rolls On t-shirts to promote the fundraiser and graciously donated the tables, cups and the most coveted raffle prize of the event – a professional-grade Jagermeister shot machine to raise funding for Life Rolls On Foundation.
“Life Rolls On is very near and dear to me and my family,” said event organizer Ken Whelan. “Thanks to the crew at SOUTH – Adam, Philip, Chris, Robin and Jamie - as well as our sponsors, my brother Colin and our friends who came to support it, the event was a big success!”
Prizes were generously donated by jetBlue, Star 98.7, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles D-Fenders, AVP, Jason Nguyen, DDS, Mora Photography, Sunstyle Tanning, Robeks and Equinox Fitness. Special thanks to all who attended and drank responsibly to ensure a successful and SAFE event.
Photo Courtesy: Ken Whelan
 LRO Revs it Up in Long Beach
On April 17, Life Rolls On was the beneficiary of the official kick-off party to celebrate the 2008 Toyota Long Beach Grand Prix, the longest running major “street” race held in North America. Hosted by Playboy Radio's Andrea Lowell and featuring DJ AM, The Prix Party was held at The Madison Restaurant in Downtown Long Beach.
Life Rolls On staff, Board of Directors and LRO Ambassador Briana Walker were special guests at one of the hottest parties in town, whose guest list included drivers competing in the race.
“Events like The Prix Party reinforce the positive association between action sports and the charitable work that LRO has so successfully embodied,” said John Dunay, LRO Board Member and attendee of the event. “We are grateful to event producer RJ Productions for including LRO in such a phenomenal celebration.”
Birthday Bash Benefits LRO
On April 10, to celebrate his 30th birthday, LRO Program Director Seth Rosenzweig hosted a benefit concert for Life Rolls On Foundation. The event took place in the heart of Hollywood at the Paul Gleason Theatre and featured local music artists Displaced People, Aaron David Gleason, and Keaton Simons.
Each performer’s emotion and enthusiasm could be felt by all in attendance. “These bands are awesome,” said partygoer Brent Yarkin. “Not only am I at one of the best concerts of the year in LA, but I am also supporting LRO, a cause that is important to me.”
Life Rolls On Ambassadors Aaron Baker, Briana Walker and Corey Towne were among the guests. During the concert, Rosenzweig and LRO Founder Jesse Billauer shared the mission and purpose of Life Rolls On Foundation with the energetic crowd.
After the last performer, Keaton Simons, brought down the house with his set, Seth was surprised with a birthday cake, as a rendition of "Happy Birthday" was sung to honor him and all of his efforts. “My 30th birthday was definitely one to remember,” said Rosenzweig. “Whether people came to support LRO, hear the bands or celebrate my birthday, we came together to push the bounds of possibility despite disability and that’s the best gift I could have received.”
Photo Credit: Karen Rosenbaum
| Other Items of Interest |
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 MySpace Video
Life Rolls On's video from the TWSA in San Diego was recently featured on the homepage of MySpace TV. In the first few days the video was watched by more than 50,000 people!! Special thanks to Alex Woodard (soundtrack) and Andrew Jandt (film & editing) for their contributions to this video.
> Check out the video yourself
> Sign up for a future TWSA event
> Join the LRO MySpace Community
 LRO Partners with FreeCause
Our new MySpace and Facebook application will allow members to track their suport of Life Rolls On, whether it is how many other friends they were able to recruit to the cause, or money raised. Please download the application!
> Facebook Application (MySpace application coming soon!)
 New Gym for Physically-Challenged Opens in Lawndale, CA
The SCI community in Los Angeles has a new option for personalized fitness and wellness training. Learn how NextStep Fitness may be the answer to finding a gym that caters to individuals with spinal cord injury.
> Read Article
 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
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| Special Thanks |
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LRO is delighted to acknowledge contributors to this edition’s e-Newsletter, including LRO Ambassador Briana Walker and LRO supporter Amanda Carr.
 A Texan, living near Beaumont, Amanda Carr wrote about Focus on Independence, which provides free LASIK surgery for quadriplegics. While she does not have SCI, she was drawn to LRO because of its message for people to make the most of their lives, despite physical challenges. As an individual with cerebral palsy, she walked unassisted until a 2002 head-on collision forced her to utilize a cane and wheelchair. “I’ve experienced degrees of mobility in my lifetime and have learned first-hand that life rolls on,” said Carr.
Briana Walker is one of LRO’s most active Ambassadors, which is why she contributed to the e-Newsletter by writing articles about The Prix Party and Seth’s Birthday Bash, which she attended. Most know her from seeing her Overstock.com commercials (she is the company spokesperson), seeing her dance for the Colours in Motion Wheelchairs Dance Team or meeting her at an LRO event. For more information about Briana, visit her LRO page or check out her website.
Many thanks to Amanda, Briana as well as the countless LRO volunteers whose photography we utilized for this edition.
Photo Courtesy: Amanda Carr
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