SUZANNE BERGSTEN

PRIDE STAFF WRITER

Jesse Billauer awakened as a quadriplegic after a surfing accident, but was determined he would surf again.  He accomplished that goal, and will be coming to share his story at CSUSM on Nov. 30 in Academic Hall 102 at 12 p.m.

Billauer is the founder and ambassador of Life Rolls On, an organization that provides hope and inspiration to others that suffered spinal cord injuries.

The morning of Mar. 25, 1995 changed Billauer’s life. While surfing, a wave suddenly threw him off his board and head first into a shallow sandbar where his body instantly went numb as he suffered neck and spinal injuries that left him quadriplegic. Doctors told him he would never surf again. He proved them wrong. After rehabilitation, he was determined to surf again and to help others in his situation to follow their passions and live their dreams. Today he is a professional surfer, showing that anything is possible.

Billauer has spent the last 13 years impacting many lives and showing that strength of mind can take you to new heights. Life Rolls On has programs that encourage and inspire other individuals to continue with their passions despite spinal cord injuries, whether those dreams involve dancing, motocross, surfing, skateboarding, or many other activities.

Billauer’s story has reached thousands as he travels around the US as a motivational speaker. A documentary of his life was made called “Jesse’s Story,” and he has also made appearances in “Dateline NBC,” “Good Morning America,” “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and many surf films.