On Sunday, May 2nd, there was an incredible event at Huntington State Beach. The event was a surfing event for young people whose lives have been impacted by spinal cord injury. This event was called "They Will Surf Again - TWSA" TWSA is a no cost program offered by Life Rolls On. This program offers surfing for those who have sustained a spinal cord injury. There were many particpants as well volunteers and observers.
Life Rolls On uses action sports to for young people affected with spinal cord injuries. Jesse Billauer was an up and coming surfer, and sustained a spinal cord injury surfing. As a result of this injury, the phrase "Life Rolls On" was established. Find more information about Life Rolls On history.
At the event, each participant was fitted with a wet suit, and transported to the water in an adapted wheelchairs for the sand. In fact, this wheelchair was taken into the water where the inflated wheels helped in float with the support of the volunteers. There were many volunteers around each surfer. I could just feel the excitement. And not to mention the incredible trust that exists between the volunteer staff and the surfer. Some of the surfboards were adapted to accomodate each surfer''s needs.The volunteers would paddle the surfer out through the waves, and assist them with catching a wave. The volunteers would push them into the wave sometimes kicking along the way. Observers on the beach were cheerring, clapping and so excited to watch this! Absolutely amazing!
Volunteers provide the support for this event. And I must say, this was an incredible and inspiration event. Watching the looks on the surfer's faces, and hearing their exclamation of surfing is something that I will not forget.
Before I was in Real Estate, I worked as an Occupational Therapist. Having had the opportunity to work with people with disabilities is something that I have always enjoyed. Seeing this was even more inspirational to me. I plan to volunteer next time there is an event here.
Find more information about the Life Rolls On events in your area, and check out the Life Rolls On website. There are volunteer opportunities, as well as very important and statistical information about spinal cord injury. There is also information about how to make a difference.
After spending a couple of hours at the beach, watching surfing on this day certainly makes you realize that you can accomplish what you set your mind to. I feel privledged to have been there, watching the surfers accomplishments and having met Jesse Billauer.
Information regarding Life Rolls On and Jesse Billauer obtained from the Life Rolls On website.
Sharon, good to drop by again, this looks like a wonderful program and I am glad to see you supporting. Grat pictures as always and have a good Mothers Day, Our son just returned from his first year in college so we are really having a good time, so far...
Hi Sharon-That has got to be so rewarding for the volunteers as well as wonderful for the handicapped person. I have a good friend that has cerebral palsy and she goes to a camp once a year. It is the highlight of her year. Thank you for sharing this story. Very inspirational. <SMILE>
Russell - it was a wonderful opportunity for these people to surf, it certainly inspired me to learn, and to volunteer to assist them in the future. Glad your son is home from college, my daughter is in her first year, but still lives with me. She is having a great time!
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Sharon,
What a nice event. Thanks for sharing your photos with us. Have a great week-end.
Connie Lou