Fri, Sep 2, 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.
Fri, Sep 9, 2011
Claire Wineland was born with cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease that causes, as she describes it, "mucus overload". It makes breathing very difficult, and it's terminal. Only 14 years old, Claire has already undergone dozens of surgeries. Last year, what was supposed to be a simple procedure left her in a coma for 16 days. "Somehow, she came out of it", Claire's mom Melissa remembers. "It was a real miracle". So many people wanted to know how Claire was doing that her family started a web page and eventually Claire's Place Foundation, Inc. Hosts Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca meet Claire and her family and help her organize a huge flash mob event to help raise money and spread awareness about CF. They also pull a few strings to help another of Claire's dreams come true.