The Life Rolls On event, founded by professional surfer Jesse Billauer after a spinal cord injury, provides adaptive surfing opportunities for people with disabilities. Through the San Diego Association for Men in Nursing, I had the opportunity to help in a medical tent, anticipating injuries from sunburns to mechanical injury on the beach. During my time, I met a 63-year-old man whose story changed my understanding of my responsibility in healthcare. Injured at 18, he was told he’d never walk, work, or have a family. Instead, through six hours of rehab nearly every day in addition to his personal faith, he became a science teacher, father, grandfather, and lifelong surfer. Hearing his journey left me humbled with a deeper understanding of the privilege it is for me to partner with the patients I will care for in my future career. Leaving the event, I felt so privileged to be able to participate in this experience and deepen my respect for every future patient that comes under my care.

Thank you S.D.A.M.N. staff for making all this possible for San Diego nursing students.

Thanks for all you do!

Charissa Philip

University California Irvine, Psychological Science, B.A., 2023
Azusa Pacific University, Entry-Level Master’s Nursing, Expected M.S.N. 2027