The Pedro Project
Porta Potty Prank Leaves Man Paralyzed - A Look at His Life One Year Later
 By Robin Taylor
FOX 29 News, Philadelphia
Wilmington, DE -- As Pedro Toala fixes a toy for his three-year-old son, he chooses to count his blessings, rather than focus on his losses.
"In a way for me, it's a blessing in disguise because I'm spending more time with my family," said Pedro Toala.
It's been a year since the bizarre incident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Toala was at the end of his shift as DART bus driver and had stopped to use a Porta Potty under I-95.
P.J. Fitzpatrick, Inc. donated a New Roof & Complete Siding to The Pedro Project
Everyone at P.J. Fitzpatrick, Inc. wishes Pedro and his family well and will continue to donate to such worthy causes in the future.
Watch Video at FOX and DelawareOnline.com |
While he was inside a group of kids rocked the portable john back and forth until it tipped over. And when it fell, he broke his back.
"I say no, no, no and that was it. I fell back and I feel this cracking in my neck."
In that moment his life changed forever. Pedro says he has forgiven the pranksters who have never been caught.
 His focus now is on his family.
"During the winter he was depressed, kind of sad. He had some bad days. He didn't want to get out of bed," said his wife Yira Graciano Toala who is now his full-time caregiver.
Since then, Pedro has gained some independence with a motorized wheelchair and a new handicapped van.
Yet at home he still feels like a captive.
Because his split-level house is not handicapped accessible, Pedro is confined to two small rooms downstairs. With the help of a private company that organized The Pedro Project, the plan is to put a lift in and renovate the house so he can access the main floor.
"Right now this is where we have dinner and everybody have to eat with a plate in their hands," said Yira referring to the small room that used to be their den.
 The family is thankful for everyone's generosity and is looking forward to eating a meal together at the dinner table.
"There's no sense for me to look back at all. I just do the best I can with my limitation, that's all," said Pedro. He is planning on going back to work soon answering telephones for DART.
Police are still looking for information about the June 23, 2006 incident. If you know anything, call 302-576-3620 or Crime Stoppers 800-TIP-3333.
Volunteers are needed for The Pedro Project. Renovations to the house will begin next month.
If you would like to help out, send tax-deductible donations to:
The Pedro Toala Fund
c/o Commerce Bank, Account: 786-290-1969
2502 Marsh Road
Wilmington, DE 19810
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