[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E111-E112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EVELYN duPONT, FOUNDER OF CALIFORNIA POOLS FOR THE HANDICAPPED, INC.--A 
                  ROLE MODEL OF COURAGE AND COMPASSION

                                 ______


                           HON. STEPHEN HORN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday January 30, 1996

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, it is my great privilege to honor one of Long 
Beach CA's most admirable citizens--Evelyn duPont who has shown our 
community a personal courage and a public compassion that move far 
beyond the norm. Stricken with a crippling disease, she rose above its 
physical limitations to give others the opportunity to do the same.
  Evelyn duPont has dedicated her life to the rehabilitation of people 
with disabilities and to the rejuvenation of senior citizens. It is a 
dedication that was born of personal tragedy. In 1952, Evelyn 
contracted polio and faced a life of braces, wheelchairs, and crutches. 
But here determination to lead an active, contributing life propelled 
her beyond their confines.
  As a former international aquatic competitor, instructor, and water 
show star, Evelyn knew of the healing and healthy properties of aquatic 
exercise--especially for those with crippling 

[[Page E112]]
disabilities. She initiated a self-therapy, water-oriented 
rehabilitation program for herself. After many months, she was able to 
walk again without crutches and braces.
  This personal triumph inspired Evelyn to open her backyard swimming 
pool to disabled children. After several weeks, the news of Evelyn's 
invitation spread. Parents, schools, and doctors were bringing children 
5 and 6 days a week. As the numbers grew, Evelyn knew that she would 
have to expand beyond the limitations of her modest pool.
  With the support of community and civic leaders, Evelyn founded the 
Cerritos Communities Pool for the Handicapped, Inc.--a nonprofit 
corporation, now known as the California Pools for the Handicapped, 
Inc. Today, her organization is an internationally respected leader in 
aquatic rehabilitation and still maintains its original goals: to heal 
and comfort those in need, to never turn anyone away, and to never 
charge for any service.
  For Evelyn, there has been no separation between her personal and 
professional dedication to the disabled. In addition to her commitment 
to no-cost aquatic rehabilitation therapy, Evelyn adopted 4 disabled 
children and served as foster mother for 12 more.
  Evelyn's concern, commitment, and courage are exceptional. Her 
ability to take a personal tragedy and turn it into a personal triumph 
that has benefited thousands stands a model for all. Her life shows 
what wonderful things can be accomplished when one person seeks to make 
a personal tragedy into a triumph.

                          ____________________