JESSE BILLAUER’S MESSAGE INSPIRES BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF CARLSBAD MEMBERS

(May 16, 2006, Carlsbad, CA) – Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad members were treated to a very powerful presentation given by Jesse Billauer.  His entry into the world of public speaking came from the personal desire and will to share his life experiences with others.

Jesse was born in February, 1979, and as a youth, he was a star athlete.  He began surfing at the age of nine, and by eleven years old, he was surfing competitively.  By the mid-1990s, Surfer Magazine had named him one of the “Top 100 Up and Coming Surfers of the World.”

The fateful morning of March 25, 1996, put an end to that dream.  While surfing, Jesse was hit by the crest of a wave and flew headfirst into a shallow sandbar.  The end result was that he had suffered a complete spinal cord injury, the kind sustained by Christopher Reeve.  Jesse was now a quadriplegic.  He had no sensation or movement below mid-chest, and limited use of his arms and hands.

Despite the obvious limitations of his condition, Jesse has resumed living life to its fullest, including serving as Chairman of the Life Rolls On Foundation.  A soon to be released documentary on his life, Jesse’s Story, will surely inspire people worldwide to enjoy today, knowing tomorrow is not guaranteed.

Jesse recently shared his life experiences with Club members.  He impressed upon the youngsters the fragility of life, and to look at their own lives in a more thoughtful and thankful way.  The kids learned that no matter how bad things may seem, happiness is only a positive thought away.  The presentation was mesmerizing; even the youngest of Club members walked away with a new outlook on life.

“My favorite part was when he said his friends are always there to help him,” said 11-year-old Anna Bowen.  Ashley Lauber, age 10, added “I thought it was cool that even though he got hurt so many times, he could still enjoy and have a good life.”

For more information about Jesse Billauer and the Life Rolls On Foundation, please call (866) We Will Walk (939-4559) or visit www.liferollson.org.

Jesse Billauer inspires youngsters at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad.