“Was in a Coma for a Month”: Years After Getting Brain Surgery, Man Says Yes to Life With a New-Born Surfing Dream

Published 08/07/2023, 1:51 PM EDT

Surfing, a sport that rides on the waves of thrill and excitement, can also become a testament to human resilience and determination. Today, on the sun-kissed shores of New Jersey’s Wildwood Beach, a remarkable event took place. Titled “They Will Surf Again,” it showcased the incredible willpower behind the comeback of disabled individuals.

Dozens of individuals with various disabilities came together to catch the waves, transcending barriers and embracing the power of the ocean. Among them is Jack Cavanaugh, whose life came to a halt almost a decade ago due to a major injury. However, in a recent Youtube video, his words resonate strongly against all odds, marking the biggest comeback.

Surfing enthusiast defying all odds

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On August 6th, the official YouTube channel of 6abc Philadelphia posted a video featuring Jack Cavanaugh of Woodlyn, Pennsylvania. As per the video, Cavanaugh is a survivor of traumatic brain injury. Ten years ago, his life was altered by a fateful fall. His traumatic brain injury plunged him into the depths of adversity, where he had to relearn the fundamental aspects of life – walking, talking, and swallowing. But the heart of a true surfer never surrenders. Throughout the process, his family stood as his biggest supporters. “I sat on a railing and then I just lost my balance. I was in a coma for a month after that,” said the champ.

The event “They Will Surf Again,” organized by a nonprofit organization, became the turning point in his journey. He discovered a renewed passion for surfing and rediscovered his lost self. With the support of volunteers and fellow surfers, Jack defied all odds. Not only did he conquer the waves but also graduated cum laude from West Chester University. He also embraced a new role as an employment coach.

Role of “Life Rolls On” in Jack’s life

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“Life Rolls On” is an NGO whose foundation is rooted in the personal story of its founder, Jesse Billauer, which profoundly impacted him two decades ago. At the age of 17, Billauer became a quadriplegic due to a surfing accident. This incident led him to discover his purpose in empowering others. “It took me a few years to get back out in the water,” he once said, adding: “Didn’t really know what I was doing and a couple of years after that, I started this foundation called Life Rolls On.”

ALSO READ: “Doing What You Love”: After Advancing Into Semifinals of Home WSL Event, 22-Year-Old American Surfing Prodigy Goes Candid

Thanks to the NGO’s initiative, “They Will Surf Again,” Jack found himself among a hundred surfers who gathered to ride the waves. The heartwarming aspect stemmed from the immense support he and many others like him received from an enthusiastic team of 500 to 600 volunteers, which included therapists, nurses, doctors, and students. They all came together to make this event truly special.

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With an unwavering sense of purpose, “They Will Surf Again” journeys across the country, igniting waves of inspiration and hope. This initiative encourages everyone to embrace the uncharted, following in the footsteps of Jack and Jesse, and discover the limitless possibilities that lie beyond adversity.

Watch The Story: The US Open of Surfing Takes a Violent Turn as the Video of Clash at Huntington Beach Goes Viral

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Written by:

Harshita Chawla is a US Sports writer at Essentially Sports. Having contributed to college magazine as a sports writer, she comes with a staunch knowledge in content creation for the sports industry. Along with this, Harshita is a huge fan of Gymnastics queen Simone Biles and has a penchant for writing about her favorite athlete.

Edited by:

Suman Varandani

“Was in a Coma for a Month”: Years After Getting Brain Surgery, Man Says Yes to Life With a New-Born Surfing Dream

Surfing enthusiast defying all odds

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Role of “Life Rolls On” in Jack’s life