This is where the staff of the Reeve Foundation is sharing up-to-the-minute information and putting some context around the news affecting the spinal cord injury and paralysis community. Not to mention insight into what's going on here at the Foundation.
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Life Rolls On hits the waves in Rockaway, NY
Posted by
JLoThursday, September 02, 2010
Last weekend I volunteered at the Life Rolls On event in Rockaway, NY.
The organization, based in California, inspires people living with paralysis by the way of skiing, surfing, and skateboarding. Jesse Billauer, founder of the organization was injured in a surfing accident as a teenager. He was on his way to becoming a world class surfer and was determined to continue to surf again after his injury.
By 9:30 a.m. a section of the beach was filled with excitement. It was a beautiful, sunny day. Colored banners were displayed indicating the three teams which included land and water volunteers, surfers, and participants. Sarah Donaldson, LRO Program Manager, led the event for all. The waves were manageable which is the first and most important factor in determining if it is a good day to proceed. There were 27 participants or 9 per team. Each participant was transferred from his or her wheelchairs to the surfboard. Six volunteers surrounded each surfboard and carried the person out to the ocean. The facial expressions were so great. As the person got closer to the wave and upon completion of the surf to land. Many had done this for the first time.
I was very curious as to how someone living with paralysis can stay on a surfboard, or if not, how he or she dealt with being tossed in the water. I must have seen at least half a dozen fall in and come out in an instant with the help of the volunteers. A couple of times I saw the facial expressions only get better! Signs of joy and freedom were displayed throughout the event.
Now I can call my brother, Vinny, to encourage him to participate. He became paralyzed in the ocean which left him with a C5 level of injury, quadriplegia. The next opportunity for him would be in La Jolla, CA in September. I also had the pleasure of speaking to David McCauley (pictured) who participated that day. His level of injury is C4, quadriplegia. David smiled from the moment he was placed on the board to the moment he came ashore after a couple of flips in the water. First time experience with an incredible outcome. He wants to do it again. David has his own organization called the David J. McCauley Fund to Cure Paralysis.
A very positive day for those who have been given an incredible opportunity and for those who witnessed it as I did.
Thank you Life Rolls On!
Sonja
Assistant to Director
Quality of Life Grants
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