[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 115 (Thursday, September 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO KARIN BALL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 4, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Karin Ball, 
as an outstanding member of our community, whose empathy and desire to 
help others serves as an example for all to follow.
  The reason for honoring Karin Ball today, began 20 years ago when 
Mary Vincent was raped and her arms severed where she needed prosthetic 
arms. Many years passed and Mary's public assistance ran out, her 
marriage ended, and worst of all her prosthetic arms were worn and 
useless. Karin Ball read about Mary while she was in the hospital 
recovering from elbow surgery. Knowing how difficult it was to perform 
simple tasks with a broken elbow, Karin decided that she had to do 
something to help Mary; she would get Mary new arms.
  Karin began calling hospitals, doctors, and prosthetic companies. 
Finally after countless hours of phone calls, she got in touch with 
NovaCare who in conjunction with the nonprofit organization, Limbs for 
Life, said they would donate state-of-the-art, custom-made prosthetic 
arms for Mary.
  Karin's act of kindness shows that one person can make a difference 
in another's life. Today, because of Karin's good deed, Mary's life is 
back on track. She is now able to run simple errands like going to the 
grocery store and taking care of her children. It is because of people 
like Karin, who take the time and effort to help others, that make this 
world a better place to live in.
  Ch'en a great Chinese leader once said ``Man's happiness in life is 
the result of man's own effort.'' I believe that Karin's act of 
kindness has brought to Mary, great happiness. In the spirit of Ch'en, 
Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me and 
the citizens of Malibu in honoring Karin Ball. Her dedication to 
helping others is an inspiration for all Americans.

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