History of Life Rolls On

For the past ten years, Life Rolls On has focused on raising funds and awareness for spinal cord injury research and related programs. In 1996, on the verge of becoming a professional surfer, Jesse Billauer suffered a spinal cord injury while surfing. While physically rendered a quadriplegic, Jesse’s spirit was not broken, and the phrase “Life Rolls On” was born. The first few years the Billauer Family organized golf tournaments to raise money for Jesse’s cost-prohibitive medical bills. Within a few years the philosophy changed – there was a bigger issue at hand.

In 1999, these events no longer were a benefit for the family’s medical expenses, but instead funds raised were directed to leading spinal cord injury research facilities around the country. Honorary Chairpersons Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell lent their name to the efforts.

A year later, international model and actress, Angie Everheart, chaired the a golf tournament which raised significant money for spinal cord injury research. The momentum was building. About this same time, the love of the ocean was too much for quadriplegic Jesse Billauer to bear. With the help of friends and professional surfer Rob Machado, Jesse found himself back in the ocean, surfing again! Within just a few years these efforts would be showcased in the motion picture, Step Into Liquid.

The focus for in 2001 was bolstered by the initiatives of “They Will Surf Again,” a Foundation striving for a similar goal (which later merged with Life Rolls On in 2004). Press releases and coverage extended to Brazil, Germany, Italy, Spain, France and the U.K. Co-Chaired by world professional surfers, Kelly Slater and Rob Machado, the events brought in national attention as well. Life Rolls On’s They Will Surf Again (TWSA) program was born on the fateful day of September 11th. Scores of fans turned out to witness dozens of world class surfers, and a quadriplegic, ride the waves. In one word, surreal. (By the end of 2009 the TWSA program was held 30 times across Southern California, North Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, and Florida!)

In March of 2002, the Internal Revenue Service officially recognized LRO as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, creating the Life Rolls On Foundation. What began as a small family effort suddenly turned into a global phenomenon.

LRO hosted several events in the ensuing years, continuing to raise awareness and funds for spinal cord injury. These include benefit concerts put on by talented musicians such as The Offspring, Slightly Stoopid, Matt Costa, Ziggy Marley, Minnie Driver, Jason Mraz, Jackson Browne, Switchfoot, Timmy Curran and others.

Life Rolls On became the official charity of the US Open of Surfing in 2002 (and every year since), which culminates each year with a adaptive surfing exhibition in front of 100,000+ spectators. Since 2002, LRO has delivered the powerful message to nearly a million spectators, that life does indeed, Roll On!

Over the years, these efforts have been recognized by Today Show, EXTRA TV, Good Morning America, Dateline NBC, TLC’s While You Were Out, Nonprofit Times, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Orange County Register, San Diego Union Tribune, Ability Magazine, Surfer Magazine, Surfing Magazine, Transworld Surf, E! Entertainment, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, FUEL TV, MTV and dozens more.

Life Rolls On's They Will Surf Again program has made a profound impact on the lives of thousands of people with disabilities, along with the volunteers who help make dreams possible.

Fast forward to 2010. It has been only ten years since our first event, but in early 2010, Life Rolls On merged with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, becoming the west coast headquarters for the combined organization.

We are sure the next ten years will be just as exciting as the first! Your volunteerism, financial support, and event participation will help us to continue delivering this mission worldwide.

Thank you!

Get Involved