Paralysed man triumphs over tragedy

New Delhi: Perry Cross is a quadriplegic, his is the story of hope and courage, and of technology that transformed the life of a man who could not move below his neck. Once life was beautiful for Perry but after a tragic he became paralysed, and was confined to his wheelchair.

Today, Perry's phone won't stop ringing, as with bluetooth he doesn't need hands to answer. He records thoughts on an iPod, to update his website and write best-selling books. He's a star on Australian television and a spokesman for quadriplegics worldwide.

With cutting edge technology, Perry Cross has triumphed over tragedy.

"I probably would have died without technology. My car, computer, wheelchair and ventilator have given me the independence I need to enjoy life," says Perry.

Hi-tech is old hat for Perry, as his $ 75,000 wheelchair is a lot like scientist Stephen Hawking's. He just moves his chin and a computer on board tells the vehicle where and how fast to go, also on board is a ventilator that keeps him breathing.

Peter Cross recently met Manjunath, the Indian quadriplegic who hit headlines a few weeks back.

"I gave him hope, and told him that with technology he could be enjoying life a lot more than what he's doing right now," says Perry about Manjunath.

Perry's mission is to make life enjoyable for people like him.

And he has certainly set an example with all of his accomplishments, as he's an Olympic torch bearer in Sydney, an ambassador for the disabled at the United Nations, and the founder of PERRY X — his foundation for research against paralysis, Perry is changing lives and achieving goals that would test the best of men.

For people like Perry technology can change lives, as what may seem like the end-of-the road need not necessarily be so.

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