On September 7, 2001, 44-year-old Chris Pearson (pictured) of Mount Vernon, Texas was hit head on by a pick-up truck while doing a training ride in East Texas. Chris, a 19 year veteran of the Dallas Fire Department and a triathlete/duathlete for the past 14 years, was taken by helicopter to East Texas Medical Center in Tyler.

After undergoing 3-4 hour surgery was placed in trauma ICU in critical condition. He suffered the loss of his left kidney, the loss of the lower half of his left lung, a fractured bone in his left hip, 9 broken ribs, and a fractured scapula in his left shoulder.

As of this writing he is at home and on the slow road to recovery. He is very optimistic that his racing days are not over just put on hold.

A benefit for Chris is being held in Mount Vernon on Saturday, November 3, from noon till 5:00. There will be a rummage sale, hamburgers and entertainment. To contact Chris, his home number is (903) 860-2611, or E-mail to [email protected].

Donations can be made and sent to Chris Pearson benefit c/o First National Bank Mount Vernon, P.O. Box 909, Mount Vernon TX, 75457.