Everyday Health

Episode 1

Life Rolls On

Sat, Sep 3, 2011

This week, Ethan and Jenna hit the road to find inspiration in sunny Southern California, ride the waves with Jesse Billauer, and help him pull off his biggest event of the year. When surfer Jesse Billauer was 17, he had his sights set on turning pro, but a terrible accident left him paralyzed, changing his life forever. "I hit my head on a shallow sandbar and my whole body went limp," he recalls. The doctors told him he'd never be able to walk again. But Jesse was determined to get back in the water. After discovering the joy of surfing again, he founded Life Rolls On, a charitable organization that helps others with spinal cord injuries do what they love - surf, skate, and ski. Ethan and Jenna agree to help Jesse spread the word about his upcoming Life Rolls On event at Zuma Beach in Santa Monica. Aaron, who became paralyzed a year ago, contacts Ethan to find out more about the Life Rolls On event. Ethan encourages him to come, but Aaron's nervous about getting in the water. Dr. Vokshoor, MD, a neurosurgeon who specializes in spinal cord injuries, gives Ethan some background on Jesse's condition. Everyone hits the beach for the Life Rolls On event, including a special celebrity guest.