By Becky Rahmann
On April 3, 2001, Chad Hymas was injured in a farm accident, which left him a quadriplegic. He now travels internationally to tell about his experience. Hymas has spoken in seven different countries, and throughout the U.S., with the exception of thirteen states. Hymas speaks throughout the year, but he is devoting the months of September and October to high school audiences.
Hymas has been telling his story for over four years now. He said, "It (the story) has given me a place to fit in society. It is also a means by which to live."
Hymas still fulfills his hobby and dream of managing an elk ranch with his father. Senior Brycen Gillming said, "I really like Chad and I was able to relate to his experience very well, because the same exact thing happened to me but I think I was a little luckier because I only broke three vertebrae, and now I will really think about things before I do them."
"The assembly was really worth it, and it gave me something to think about. My dad has already told me the importance of checking everything, but now I know what could happen to you. So from now on, I will be a little more careful when I feed my horses and cows," sophomore Jake Gonzales said.
Hymas is married and is the father of three children. His injuries have not slowed him down. He encourages students to remember, "Give your dreams all you've got, and you'll be amazed at what comes out of you," (William James). In 2003, Hymas set a world record by wheeling his chair from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas.
Senior Sonni Oliver said, "Chad gave me a good perspective on the decisions we make. It really touched my heart as well."
For more information, log onto chadhymas.com.
