Paraplegic Man Rides Motorized Wheelchair from California to Washington DC

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

In 2000, Chet Dyreson suffered a spinal cord injury in a motor cross accident. As a result, Dyreson is paraplegic – he does not have the use of either of his legs, and he is confined to a wheelchair. However, Dyreson has created a gas-powered, motorized wheelchair that can operate at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour, and he decided that he would raise money for paralysis research.

On May 23, Dyreson left his home in California and began a long trek in his super-powered wheelchair across the country to Washington, D.C., where he arrived during the first week of July. Dyreson’s cross country wheelchair trip was to raise money and promote awareness for spinal cord and paralysis research. His two sons, who are motor cross riders, followed him in their truck.

Of his efforts, according to WFMJ Ohio, Dyreson said, “My injury’s 11 years old… chances of them fixing me are probably slim, this isn’t about me. This is about young kids that get hurt.”

While on his 4,000 mile trip, Dyreson spoke to representatives of the Christopher Reeve Foundation and raised funds for spinal cord research. Get in touch with our office today to learn more.

Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.

Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia Injury Attorneys

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.