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| Top Stories |
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 Letter from Kris Nakamura (Executive Director/CEO)
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, Life Rolls On has much to be thankful for this holiday. When I reflect upon how much our organization has grown this year, whether it is through the scope of our programs, the number of people we’ve served or the lives that we’ve touched, it always comes back to a single thought...you.
While that may seem ambiguous, I am referring to each and every one of you who is reading this eNewsletter at this very moment. You – the waterman who enabled a paralyzed surfer to catch his first wave at They Will Surf Again …You – the sponsor whose monetary gift or in-kind donation helped fund our programs…You – the community partner who promoted our message of hope to others…You – the volunteer who gave of your time and talent without seeking anything in return. You - the individual with SCI who pushed the bounds of possibility to show how “life rolls on” despite spinal cord injury.
It is with sincerity and admiration that I take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your tireless work on behalf of Life Rolls On. Without you, our organization could not exist. It is only because of you that we are able to thrive.
> Read Full Letter
 LRO on FUEL TV's “The Daily Habit”
As an official media partner of Life Rolls On’s 5th Anniversary Night by the Ocean, FUEL TV recently featured a segment about the event on “The Daily Habit. "The Daily Habit" is FUEL TV’s first original daily series, telecast weeknights at 9:00pm ET (6:00pm PT). The Daily Habit encompasses the world of the action sports enthusiast, mixing the best in pop culture with today’s top action sports personalities, cutting-edge music, product reviews, and comedy. For more information, visit http://www.fuel.tv/TheDailyHabit.
 NBTO Causes Waves in Hollywood
On October 12, The Kodak Theatre’s Grand Ballroom at Hollywood and Highland was transformed into an edgy lounge with DJs, Ketel One ice bar, theatrical lighting and a unique circular stage to set the tone for LRO’s 5th Anniversary Night by the Ocean presented by Disaboom. $340,000 was raised at this event, which serves as Life Rolls On’s single largest fundraiser of the year. Volunteer committees are now forming for Night by the Ocean 2009. For more volunteer or sponsorship information, contact LRO.
> Full Wrap on NBTO 2008
> Links to Photos
LRO Welcomes New Board Members and Advisory Member
 Point Broadcasting Chairman John Hearne has been around the spirit of Life Rolls On for over twenty years! John was responsible for putting [LRO Founder] Jesse Billauer on a surfboard for his first time. Coming full circle after over two decades, John says, "by creating Life Rolls On, Jesse helped and inspired thousands of others to transcend their injuries and achieve their dreams. It is a noble mission. I am honored and delighted to be a part of Life Rolls On, and I look forward to doing whatever is necessary to help carry out its vision."
 A Nike employee for over 15 years, Scott LeClair is responsible for all the company's business in the Western United States, including Hurley International, a long-time partner of Life Rolls On. His entrepreneurial spirit and connection with youth culture will be a great asset to the Board of Life Rolls On. Says Scott, "When I heard Jesse [LRO Founder] speak at our Nike leadership [meeeting] in Hawaii two-years ago, I was really inspired by his message and courage. Now that I'm living in Los Angeles, I want to give my energy to a positive cause that connects with our brand. At Nike, we believe that 'if you have a body, you are a athlete'. LRO is spreading that positive message and I hope to contribute to that."
 David Lienhard runs Artist Relations for Dean Markley Strings. While known for their strings, the company also makes acoustic pick-ups and accessories. In his role, David serves as the company's representative to hundreds of amazing artists. Recently, David has played an instrumental role in the success of LRO's various fundraising events, helping to secure dozens of amazing autographed guitars and other music related items.
> John Hearne Bio
> Scott LeClair Bio
> David Lienhard Bio
 Single Brain Cell May Help Overcome Paralysis
In a recent study at the University of Washington, researchers discovered monkeys were able to regain movement in their wrists despite paralysis after learning to control a single brain cell.
> Read Article
| LRO Events |
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 LRO Expression Sessions Still Heating Things Up this Fall
While the end of summer brought the close of LRO’s official They Will Surf Again season, it hasn’t stopped Life Rolls On Expression Sessions from heating up the waters this fall! On October 26, LRO Ambassador Christiaan Bailey charged the waves during a Life Rolls On Expression Session at the O’Neill Coldwater Classic at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz, California.
Bailey not only organized this opportunity, but also arranged for LRO to be the official beneficiary of the contest for the third year in a row. “I would like to extend a huge thank you to Coors & Fosters for their support, as well as Santa Cruz Surf Shop, Aloha Island and last but certainly not least, ASP for welcoming Life Rolls On as the competition’s official charity,” he said.
In addition to surfing in the event and running Life Rolls On’s on-site fundraising booth, Christiaan, 27, used the Coldwater Classic as an opportunity to mentor a five-year-old little boy who lost the use of his legs after suffering a stroke at just 18 months old.
 Zachary Puddy Siggens and his mom, Linda, were introduced to Christiaan through Life Rolls On and, after four months of exchanging emails and phone calls, they flew down from their home in Seattle, Washington to meet with Bailey. “It’s so important for him [Zachary] to see an older male in a wheelchair doing things, to be involved in the community,” explained Linda, who is raising Zachary on her own. “I had an absolutely fantastic time hanging with Zach,” Christiaan added. “His boundless energy and enthusiasm were contagious and to be able to take him out surfing for his first time was an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Just weeks following the Coldwater Classic, Christiaan participated in an impromptu Expression Session on November 8 during Volcom’s Great White Surf Series, which also took place at Steamer Lane.
This winter, Bailey hopes to fulfill a dream of being the first disabled person to ride Maverick’s, the world-renowned big wave break located one-half mile off the coast of Half Moon Bay, California. He’s been training to achieve this goal for the last six months. "I've already [ridden] twenty-footers down in Costa Rica," he said. "Maverick's is much colder and there's more dangerous underlying conditions, but I think…it's definitely achievable."
Looks like LRO Expression Sessions might just continue through the New Year…stay tuned!
Citations and Sources:
> Disabled Surfer Will Ride in Coldwater Classic Today
> Maverick’s The Wave Beyond
Photo Credits: Mark Prefontaine and Christiaan Bailey
Ready to Rumble? December 13
 Mixed Martial Artist legend Ken Shamrock will headline a group of MMA fighters, pro boxers, kickboxing champions, skaters and surfers at the Extreme Sports and Artists Charity Event benefiting Life Rolls On Foundation. As UFC’s first Heavyweight Champion, King of the Ring and WWF Intercontinental Champion, Shamrock, a UFC Hall of Famer, has earned the nickname “The Most Dangerous Man Alive.” On December 13, at No Limits Mixed Martial Arts and Fitness in Irvine, CA, Shamrock will show a softer side, as he teams up with event host ConvictedArtist.com and others to help raise money for young people affected by spinal cord injury.
 LRO Ambassador Briana Walker will represent LRO at this unique fundraiser, which will feature submission wrestling super fights, skateboard competitions, live bands, artist shows and more. There will also be a silent auction, showcasing original art, clothing, surfboards, skateboards, cosmetics and other phenomenal items. During the festivities, ConvictedArtsist.com will also recognize Surfrider Foundation for its outstanding work on the Save Trestles campaign.
ConvictedArtist.com was originally an art gallery founded by artists in 2001 and has emerged into a social art network that focuses on artistic freedom of expression and collaboration of talents, which include art, prose, exotic automobiles and extreme sports.
With live music, food, cocktails and entertainment (plus a keepsake photo from the night), this is surely an event you won’t want to miss. For tickets and information, visit www.convictedartist.com or call (866) 926-8499.
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| Life Rolls On Ambassador Updates |
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 Aaron Baker Completes Rise Above Tour 2008
On September 27, LRO Ambassador Aaron Baker successfully completed the “Rise Above Tour,” a 4,202 cross-country bicycle tour from San Francisco, California to Washington, DC to raise awareness about the importance of extended care and exercise therapy after spinal cord injury. Funds raised from the tour benefited the Center for Rehabilitative Exercise (C.O.R.E.), which Baker co-founded with hopes of giving individuals with SCI the ability regain mobility and lead active and fulfilling lives.
Throughout the tour, Aaron conducted speaking engagements to share a message about “The Power of Possibility” and the necessity of ongoing therapeutic exercise. With a cycling team comprised of his trainer, family and videographers, he was also joined by two special guests on the Salt Lake City, Utah to Denver, Colorado portion of the tour, Jordan  Delaurier and LRO Ambassador Briana Walker, both of whom have SCI. “I am grateful for their participation,” said Baker of Delaurier and Walker. “Alongside my friends, riding desolate roads and faced with tremendous heat, torrential hail and endless hills, I was filled with the sense that anything is possible.”
The tour required several sponsors and partners who donated funding, product, time and services, which included Life Rolls On, Road 2 Recovery Foundation, Be Perfect Foundation, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Nu-step, Fox Racing, KHS Bicycles, DVS, Utopia, Focus, Bravo, NLA, MB2, Northwave, Arbonne, Disaboom, Action Wipes, Can Do Kids, Valley Bicycles, Langenwalter Sighs, A-Design & Builders, Rock Racing, TKI Systems and RK Coaching.
With two cross-country tours under his belt, what will 2009 bring for the 29-year-old Santa Clarita, California resident? The Tour de France. "The [Rise Above] tour is an evolution of my process," Baker said. "We can go anywhere."
To learn more about Aaron Baker or the Rise Above Tour, visit www.aaronbakers.com or www.riseabovetour.com.
Citation and Sources:
> Former Quadriplegic Bikes Across Country
> Aaron Baker
Ricky James Wins 2008 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship
 On November 8, Life Rolls On Ambassador Ricky James won the Hand-Cycle Class World Championship in the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 Triathlon in Clearwater, Florida. The 20-year-old from Murrieta, California joined more than 1,500 athletes from around the world to swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles and run 13.1 miles to complete the grueling competition. James used a hand-cranked cycle during the bike race and a race chair during the run, finishing with a total time of 5 hours 30 minutes and 27 seconds, just 46 seconds ahead of the second place finisher Jeff Smith from San Diego, California.
This was only the fourth ironman competition of James’ career. Amazingly, prior to this past May, when he competed in the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii, he had never even swum in the ocean. Yet, last month, this gifted athlete competed in the hand-cycle class at the 140-mile Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii finishing in a time of 12 hours and 44 minutes.
 A spinal cord injury as a result of a motocross accident three years ago has not slowed James down. In addition to competing in ironman competitions, Ricky continues to ride motocross, won a Silver Medal in the Summer X Games and has embarked on a truck racing career, where he won the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale Championship, leads the Rookie of the Year points and closely trails the lead points with one race remaining in the 2008 West Coast Pro Truck series. He will also be featured in the newest LRO Public Service Announcement to unveiled before the end of the year. NBC Sports will also showcase a feature segment on Ricky for his participation in the ironman world championships on December 13 at 11:30am (PST).
“This last month has been unbelievable,” said James, explaining this is “an opportunity to show young people who suffer from any form of disability that with perseverance, anything is achievable.” He continued, “I appreciate all the hard work and support from my trainer David Bailey, my race truck crew and sponsors, SoCal SuperTrucks, Metal Mulisha Energy Drinks, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Oakley, Alpinestars, Shoei Helmets, Motul Lubricants, ZLT, Road2Recovery, Total Power Batteries, Certified Transmissions, PPG Paints, NBC Sports, Colours Wheelchairs, Life Rolls On and of course my family, without your support none of this would have been achievable.”
Citations and Sources:
> Wheelchair athlete takes perseverance to the Ironman
> Ricky James Wins Half-Ironman World Championship
LRO Ambassador Invited onto High School Surf Team
 When Patrick Ivison, a quadriplegic since he was 14 months old, was asked by long-time LRO volunteer Robbie Nelson if he wanted to surf the reefs in San Diego, never could he imagine how his life would change. On November 3, the San Diego Union Tribune ran a story about Patrick’s adventure, referring to the 14-year-old LRO Ambassador as “an unstoppable teen” and sharing Patrick’s story as a student, son and, most of all, a surfer. Already excited about successfully catching a few powerful reef breaks at Point Loma’s Sunset Cliffs, the freshman at Scripps Ranch High School had no idea what would come next.
“I’m sooooooo excited,” said Ivison. “The coach for the surf team at my school saw the article in the San Diego Union Tribune and asked me to join the team! I'm going to my first practice next Saturday at Ponto in Carlsbad.”
 Although Patrick had surfed in LRO Expression Sessions at the US Open of Surfing and many They Will Surf Again events, because of his injury, he never dreamed he would be able to participate on his high school surf team.
When asked why he invited Patrick to join the team, Scripps Ranch High School surf coach Timothy Leonard’s response was simple, “The principal and I felt that he has every right to be a part of our surf organization. I chose him because he fits the description of every other member of the surf team - a student at Scripps Ranch High School who can surf.”
Though Patrick won’t yet engage in formal competition (his coach is looking into the possibility of a division that addresses students who require special accommodations), Patrick will participate in all practices and attend the team’s competitions. His new teammates have even volunteered to serve as watermen for Ivison when he hits the water.
“He’s part of our surf organization, team and surfing community,” said Coach Leonard. “I would love to see him compete someday in the future, but for now, our principal, students and I are proud to have him out in the lineup with us.”
This certainly is not the last accomplishment in surfing for Patrick. Nelson shared that he and Ivison are already working on a surfing expedition at Jeffrey’s Bay [South Africa] in 2009 where they will continue to push the performance boundaries of adaptive surfing. “It has been an honor to help Patrick break down barriers and prove that nothing is impossible,” said Robbie. “He’s articulate, fearless and fun, so good things are bound to happen for him!”
To follow Patrick and the Scripps Ranch High School surf team this season, visit the Interscholastic Surfing Federation website. SRHS competes in West Coast High School Division 3.
Photo Credits: Sheri Crummer and Mike Morse
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| LRO Community News |
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 Kottonmouth Kings Name LRO a Beneficiary of The Green Album
The Kottonmouth Kings’ tenth album hit stores on October 28 and quickly became the number one independent record in the country on the Billboard charts. Aptly titled The Green Album, the band will donate proceeds from record sales to environmental causes and Life Rolls On Foundation.
“We wanted to make a statement and give something positive back, so we are donating a percentage of profits to charities that mean something to us,” said Kottonmouth Kings frontman Brad Xavier (aka Daddy X). “Jesse Billauer is a friend of ours and my cousin Rosemary has been a quadriplegic since she was 22, so Life Rolls On hits close to home.”
Fusing hip hop, punk rock and soul, the Kottonmouth Kings’ album release comes on the heels of headlining this summer’s hottest underground music tour, The Strange Music Festival. Fans can catch the band's shows now through the end of the year at venues from Los Angeles to New York.
The Green Album, featuring “Where I’m Going,” is in stores now. For more information, visit www.kottonmouthkings.com.
Join the LRO Team
Learn how Life Rolls On blends the worlds of sports, entertainment and non-profit management to create one of the most diverse organizations supporting young people affected by spinal cord injury (SCI). Receive class credit and make a difference, too, by interning for Life Rolls On!
> Learn More
 Do You Want to CURE SCI?
CURE SCI (Campuses Understanding Responsible Education about Spinal Cord Injury) is Life Rolls On’s high-school and college outreach program designed to educate young people about spinal cord injury and promote and raise funds for Life Rolls On, while engaging students with opportunities to give back to their communities through volunteerism and philanthropy.
With school now in full-swing and students eager to launch new CURE SCI sites at the University of Southern California (USC), University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Mira Costa High School (Manhattan Beach, CA) we are pleased to provide an opportunity for one the group’s charter members, Tiana Martin, to share why she started a CURE SCI chapter on her campus.
 "CURE SCI is important to me because it's a wonderful way to bring people together, educate ourselves and others on spinal cord injury prevention, and have fun! Life Rolls On continually impresses me with its unique programs and passionate efforts to enhance the quality of life for those who have disabilities, defying the notion that disabilities limit people. This is why I decided to start a CURE SCI chapter on UC-Irvine's campus. I am currently working with the Reeve-Irvine Research Center to raise awareness and introduce students to Life Rolls On's efforts. If you are in or around Irvine and would like to join us please contact me. I encourage you to start a CURE SCI chapter at your high school, college or wherever you can rally a good group of people to make a difference. It's easy, and I can assist you. Spinal cord injury is something that had received little attention until a little over 10 years ago, thanks to the amazing Christopher Reeve, and so much has been done since then. If we continue to work together, I can only imagine what wonderful things will come in the next 10 years."
-Tiana Mayumi Martin
CURE SCI (UC Irvine)
For questions about CURESCI or to inquire about starting a chapter on your campus, contact LRO. CURE SCI also has a Facebook and MySpace – join today!
 AYP Enjoys a Fantastic First Year!
It was a busy year for the Active Young Professionals of Life Rolls On Foundation. From helping out at TWSA La Jolla, to sponsoring a hole at LRO’s golf tournament, to volunteering at community events, to organizing numerous fundraising and networking mixers, AYP has far exceeded expectations for a successful inaugural year.
Active Young Professionals is comprised of successful men and women, generally in their 20’s to 30’s, who come from a variety of professional backgrounds. Its mission is to support Life Rolls On and make meaningful differences in the lives of those with SCI, while helping its members build their professional and personal networks and enhance their business development.
 RO extends special thanks to AYP President Casey West and the group’s Executive Board Members April Edelston, Michelle Mowad, Matt Dawson, Kyle Moreno and Gino Tinucci for their extraordinary hard work, which has resulted in phenomenal success for the group and foundation.
AYP is currently accepting membership for 2009. Please visit www.activeyoungpros.com for more information or email info@activeyoungpros.com.
| Other Items of Interest |
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 LRO Clothing
Send us a photo of you wearing your LRO clothing and we may run it in a future newsletter! Don't have anything yet? Check out the LRO Store, there are some new designs and colors!
 LRO Media Room & Photos
We know everyone loves photos and video. If you haven't seen the LRO Media Room and Photo Gallery recently, check it out. We've added some photos and video from some of the recent events including several TWSAs, 10th Annual Golf Tournament, and 5th Annual Night by the Ocean.
> Media Room
> Photos
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| Additional Thoughts |
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‘Tis the Season
 With the holidays upon us, there’s no better way to celebrate the ‘season of giving’ than helping others. Life Rolls On is pleased to present you with a list of ways to make a difference in lives of young people affected by SCI.
Shop ‘til you drop…
Who needs long lines at the mall or the aggravation of circling the parking lot for an empty space? Instead, shop online. Here’s a few places we recommend… iGive.com features more than 700 brand name stores from Best Buy to Nordstrom to Expedia, among others. With no additional cost to you, iGive.com will donate a portion of each purchase to LRO. Looking for an educational toy or toys for a child with special needs? TRexToys.com will donate 5% of all purchases made online now through December 20 to Life Rolls On Foundation. And of course, LifeRollsOn.org always features stylish clothing and accessories that make great holiday gifts.
Start a new holiday tradition…
Be the “Hostess who GIVES the Mostest” with your first annual fundraiser benefiting Life Rolls On. Invite guests to make a donation in lieu of a hostess gift. Or perhaps your friends and family may want to “adopt” an LRO program for the holiday? Why not team up to purchase a new wetsuit or underwrite the cost of adapting a surfboard for They Will Surf Again? Parties with a purpose are excellent ways to entertain and give back!
Honor them with a tribute…
Celebrate a year of good health and happiness through a Life Rolls On Holiday Tribute. This is a perfect way to honor special people and occasions. Your honoree will receive a greeting card from LRO explaining that you made a donation in their name, which will directly impact young people with SCI. This is particularly meaningful to the person who seems to have everything and an excellent way to avoid wasting money on random gifts for clients. Visit the LRO website to make your contribution - we will handle the rest.
And what about you?
With every gift you give to LRO, you not only make a difference in the lives of those served by our mission, but also you will receive a thank you note and charitable receipt, which can be used as a deduction on your taxes*.
* LRO is not a tax advisor, always consult with a qualified tax professional.
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Ambassador Spotlight
Based on the headshot he sent for this eNewsletter, it is clear that LRO Ambassador Xavier Horan is a fun-loving guy. Don’t let the silliness fool you though; he’s also an OSCAR®-winning sound editor, accomplished athlete and savvy businessman. Read on to learn how this 26-year-old doesn’t let SCI stand in the way of realizing his dreams.
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Sponsor Spotlight
Whether it is through the beautiful ice bar at Night by the Ocean or refreshing cocktails at LRO’s charity golf tournament, guests to Life Rolls On events know that Ketel One has long been a dedicated and generous sponsor of our organization. As we begin the season of celebrations, we encourage you, while drinking responsibly, to toast the holidays with a Ketel One spirit and read on to learn more about this outstanding corporate partner.
> Read More About Ketel One
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Volunteer Spotlight
Typically, we only highlight one individual in our Volunteer Spotlight, but, as anyone who regularly volunteers for LRO in Southern California knows, Liz Roberson and Michael Gorfain come as a pair. As we’ve reached our last eNewsletter of 2008, we are delighted to introduce two people who have volunteered for nearly every Southern California LRO activity this year. We invite you to read more about these special individuals who mean so much to Life Rolls On.
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Doctor's Forum
Could the first spinal cord injury embryonic stem cell clinical trial be just a few months away? This may very well be true, should the FDA green light the technology invented by the laboratory of Dr. Hans Keirstead, a featured speaker at LRO’s events, whose lab has benefited from Life Rolls On research grants.
> Read Article
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LRO Schedule
Dec 13, 08: Convicted Artist Fundraiser (Irvine)
Jan 24, 09*: They Will Ski Again (Mammoth Mountain)
Feb 28, 09: LRO Family Fair (Brentwood, CA)
July 20, 09*: 11th Annual Golf Tournament (Malibu, CA)
Late July 09: 8th Annual U.S. Open of Surfing Expression Session
Sept 26, 09: 4th Annual East Coast Golf Tournament (New Jersey)
October 09: 6th Annual Night by the Ocean (Hollywood, CA)
* Tentative
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Umbrella Sponsor
TWSA Partners
Special Thank You
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