©2009 Eppic Surf Inc (www.EppicSurf.com/BranimirKvartuc)

With a little inspiration, Jesse Billauer has shown the world that even after a serious injury, life really does roll on.

LOS ANGELES – He’s always had it in him.

The unselfishness. The big picture mentality. The ability to surf.

And with each wave pushing him forward, Jesse Billauer’s mind and soul continued to soak up everything that accompanied him on every ride beneath the sun, until a morning in March of ‘96, when Mother Nature called on him for a bigger task.

Pushed off his board by the pressure of a wave, Jesse dove headfirst into a new lifestyle — one that would call for him to stand up for a cause without the use of his legs.

Fracturing his neck and severing his spinal cord, Jesse became a C6 quadriplegic after hitting his head on the ocean floor. But rather than complain about his new situation, Jesse inhaled the big picture of life and started Life Rolls On, a non-profit 501(c)3 dedicated to increasing awareness about spinal cord injuries.

Through Life Rolls On, Jesse has been able to get people with spinal cord injuries back into the water.

“A lot of people in wheelchairs don’t even know that they can still go surfing,” Jesse said while featured on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. “And it’s just kind of opening up their hearts and minds, letting them know that no matter what happens to you, you can still enjoy your life.

“They feel freedom, they feel independence. Their pain is gone. Their worries are gone. It’s beautiful.”

Since founding the organization, Jesse and Life Rolls On have continued to make an impact in the surfing community. First, along with the help of professional surfers and friends, they created They Will Surf Again (TWSA), the aforementioned adaptive surfing program that allows those with spinal cord injuries to get into the water for what’s become a fusion of fun and therapy. And then along with becoming a resource for injury outreach, as well as taking on motivational speaking engagements, Jesse’s story spearheaded an aptly titled documentary.

Based around Jesse’s life and the impact of his foundation, “Jesse’s Story” recently premiered in Los Angeles with well-known supporters and friends like Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Kelly Slater and whole slew of other musicians and surfers in attendance. Dreamentia’s Yvette Garcia and Brandi Sweeney were also invited to attend.

“I think the impact from being at his events, volunteering, designing for him and being his friend has brought so much into my life and how I look at things,” said Garcia. “The one thing that I try to remember and apply to my life has been to appreciate today, love the fact that you’re alive, and do something to make an impact on the world while you’re here.

Copyright 2009 Life Rolls On Foundation

“Tomorrow is not guaranteed!

“And I love Jesse’s famous line in the movie, ‘Love life because life loves you.’ It’s simple, but if you think about it, people take that for granted everyday.”

The feature length film showcases the younger years of Jesse, as an up-and-coming star athlete who turned tragedy into inspiration and motivation. With a mixture of emotion, sadness and triumph, you’re left to look yourself in the mirror and ask: How do you motivate and inspire others? What dreams would you give up on? How would you live your life to the fullest?

Jesse’s Story will answer those questions and provide an in depth look at a person we can all take a page from, just by observing his strength and viewing him as an inspirational example.  

For more information, visit LifeRollsOn.org