[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 93 (Monday, July 18, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 18, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    WITH GRATITUDE TO CHRIS RAHIMIAN

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, during a recent unexpected series of events, 
Chris Rahimian, a 16-year-old resident of Overland Park, KS, became a 
true hero by demonstrating uncommon generosity which gained the respect 
of the entire community.
  With a great deal of admiration, I join his supporters from Kansas 
and throughout the Midwest in saluting this young man.
  Chris attended a used car auction sponsored by the American Cancer 
Society with the intention of using the $1,500 which he had saved by 
doing yard work to buy a car. It happened that the wheelchair 
accessible van used by his late father had also been donated for the 
auction. John Rahimian had relied upon that van prior to his death on 
May 23 of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
  Bidding for the van began at $2,000, the maximum that Mary Hendricks, 
who also has ALS, could afford to spend.
  Chris saw Mary break into tears of frustration as the bids went up. 
He quickly realized that he could not allow a $2,700 bidder who planned 
to do hauling and repair work take the van away from Mary.
  In a flash, Chris shouted the winning bid of $3,700.
  Amid tears of joy, Chris gave the vehicle to Mary Hendricks after his 
mother, Bonnie, paid the $2,200 difference. Chris explained,

       * * * They were taking something away that was valuable to 
     us. My dad meant more to me than something you could just 
     haul around wood with. That van gave him life, and without 
     that van he wouldn't have gone anywhere.

  Chris' kindness is setting off an outpouring of generosity from 
citizens who have been deeply touched.
  An anonymous gentleman set up a trust fund for Chris at a local bank, 
donating the first $100 toward a car. An area automobile dealer agreed 
to credit Chris for $1,500 toward purchase of a car. Another man 
convinced six people to put up $250 each and hopes to attract more. A 
minister offered to give Chris his 1980 Lincoln.
  Others are signing up for the annual George Brett Celebrity Gold 
Tournament benefiting ALS or are making donations to the ALS Research 
Fund.
  Cars for future auctions and cash donations are coming in to the 
local chapter of the American Cancer Society.
  At the young age of 16, Chris is a true American hero. His generous 
act of compassion is a fine tribute to his late father and an 
outstanding example for all of us.
  Mary Hendricks can now enjoy the freedom that John Rahimian 
cherished.
  Chris has my highest respect and deep admiration.

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