BOSTON -- When Dana Reeve died earlier this year, victims of spinal cord injury lost one of their most vocal allies.

NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported Thursday that others continue to carry the torch of hope lit by Dana and Christopher Reeve -- including two Massachusetts men who had their lives forever changed by paralysis. They are now headed to Washington to fight for passage of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act.

Chaz Southard loved surfing. But four years ago diving into the surf changed his life forever.

"Found out a couple days later I was a quadriplegic, and from there it's been an ongoing battle," Southard said.

Confined to a wheelchair, the 26-year-old now spends his days fighting for legislation he believes will help him walk again.

Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act calls for increasing paralysis research, improving collaboration between scientists doing the research, and enhancing quality of life programs for paralysis patients.

"I need to keep on pushing for this act so that I one day can free myself of this wheelchair and hopefully can free others too," Southard said.

Bob Mulcahy was paralyzed from the shoulders down four years ago after diving into a pool. Rigorous rehabilitation helped Mulcahy regain some mobility, but not enough to get rid of his wheelchair.

"Those weaknesses aren't going to change the physical part, but I can use my voice and make it one of my strengths," Mulcahy said.

He will use his voice next week in the nation's capitol, joining hundreds of others with spinal cord injuries at the Working 2 Walk Rally. Both he and Southard attended last year, landing important meetings with Sen. John Kerry and Christopher Reeve's widow, Dana, who passed away earlier this year.

"There was a true connection. She looked you right in the eye. She really understood where you were coming from because she lived it," Mulcahy said.

While Christopher Reeve's name brings the bill attention, it also may be what is keeping it from being passed.

Reeve's support of stem cell research has made this bill unpopular among some conservative lawmakers. Mulcahy and Southard want lawmakers to know the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act does not include any language about stem cells -- but that is only part of their mission.

"We're just going to change the lives of people dealing with this. That's the biggest message. We just need help and we need a stronger voice," Mulcahy said.