[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 23, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1349-E1350]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATIONS TO JOSEPH O'BRIEN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JOSEPH P. KENNEDY II

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 23, 1996

  Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to Joseph P. O'Brien for cycling 3,800 miles to support the 
National Scoliosis Foundation research to find a cure for scoliosis. I 
would also like to congratulate the foundation itself for its 20 years 
of service to the scoliosis community.
  Over the years this foundation has earned recognition and enormous 
respect for its dedication to educate and support the scoliosis 
community and its ongoing research to find a cure. Joe is both the 
president and CEO of the National Scoliosis Foundation. Through a 
football injury in high school, 1966, it was discovered that Joe had 
scoliosis. However at the age of 16 his condition had progressed so 
that it was necessary that he undergo two spinal surgeries. He spent 12 
months of his life in a hospital, 11 of which were in a body cast. This 
ailment had a profound effect on Joe

[[Page E1350]]

where he dealt with his physical deformity and was considered 
handicapped. Twelve years later Joe needed a third spinal surgery when 
his lower back started to twist and curve which split his original 
fusion. Joe decided to cycle a 3,800 mile journey, ``cycling for the 
cause'', from San Francisco, CA to Boston, MA, to create awareness 
about scoliosis and reach out to the 6 million people in the United 
States affected with it. He began his trip June 2, 1996 in spite of his 
three spinal fusion. Joe saw this as an opportunity to create awareness 
about scoliosis and reach out to the 6 million people in the United 
States affected with it. Joe, also sees this trip as a way to 
commemorate the 20th anniversary of the National Scoliosis Foundation 
and the 30th year of his first scoliosis surgery. The Foundation [NSF] 
should be commended for its efforts to help raise funds for supporting 
research into the cause and treatment of scoliosis.
  Mr. Speaker, Joseph O'Brien is an outstanding individual and I know 
you will join me in congratulating him for his contribution to find a 
cure for scoliosis and other spinal deformities.

                          ____________________