American Honda Motor Co., Inc. presented a specially modified Honda Element to the Life Rolls On Foundation (LRO) in a ceremony on March 14th. Thanks to donations from multiple sponsors, modifications were made both to allow the Element to be safely driven using hand controls and to represent the positive, youthful message of the Life Rolls On Foundation.
The non-profit Life Rolls On Foundation exists as a grassroots resource and an advocate on behalf of young people who have sustained spinal cord injuries. Founded by injured surfer, Jesse Billauer, in 1999, the Life Rolls On Foundation has a variety of programs designed to raise funds for spinal cord injury research and to cultivate awareness of an active lifestyle after such an injury.
"It's important to know that life doesn't end following a spinal cord injury," said Jesse Billauer. "The Life Rolls On Honda Element will help show people that even with a spinal cord injury you can still do active, independent, fun things like driving yourself around in a cool car." Tom Peyton, senior manager of Honda National Advertising Manager, replied, "Each logo on this Element represents a group of people that really support the philosophy and efforts of the Life Rolls On Foundation. The LRO Element project presented a unique opportunity for American Honda and other companies to donate time and resources to a worthwhile organization and to support Jesse Billauer, a remarkable individual."
The Life Rolls On Honda Element began life as a 2003 Element EX. It includes aftermarket modifications to allow better accessibility, safe driving, and some just for fun. The modifications include hand controls, a back-up camera, 20-inch wheels, custom leather seats, an upgraded stereo, Nighthawk Black Pearl paint scheme, cat-back exhaust and a cold-air intake.
The following companies donated products and labor to the Life Rolls On Element project: American Honda; KMC Wheels; Injen; Protek Resources; LA Prep; Alpine; Bruno Independent Living; Boost Mobile; and Smart Park.
Consumer information about the Honda Element is available at www.honda.com. Information on the Life Rolls On Foundation can be found at www.liferollson.org.
