[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 HONORING THE COURAGE OF MELISSA HOLLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 20, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
honor a woman that is the picture of courage, Melissa Holley. Melissa 
is an inspiration to all, with her determination and desire. She has 
overcome an enormous obstacle and although the struggle is far from 
over, Melissa continues to push herself.
  On June 25, 2000 Melissa's life was permanently altered. Melissa was 
involved in a rollover accident on U.S. Highway 550 a mile south of 
Ridgway, Colorado. The car damaged Melissa's vital spinal nerves and 
crushed two vertebrae. Melissa lost all feeling below her chest. The 
doctor's at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado said that 
her paralysis was irreversible. After a 48-hour search, her father, Rob 
Holley, found a radical new procedure that regenerates nerve cells, It 
was a long shot at best, but Melissa showed her courage by saying, 
``Only shot I had, what have I got to lose.''
  On July 9, 2000, Melissa was flown to the Sheba Medical Center in Tel 
Aviv, Israel and underwent surgery. The doctors braced her spinal cord, 
and injected her with microphages to promote healing. Melissa's 
recovery from surgery has been a slow and painful process. She 
continues to use a wheelchair, and exercises twice a week in a swimming 
pool. There has been a visible improvement, and Melissa now stands for 
an hour each day. This remarkable young lady is returning to college 
this spring at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. Melissa has not 
only managed to take a long shot and turn it to her advantage, but this 
year she helped prepare another young man for this procedure.
  Throughout this experience Melissa has managed to stay upbeat and 
determined. She has impressed doctors with her attitude and 
perseverance, and inspired many with her strength of character. Melissa 
has shown courage that is rare, and for that, Mr. Speaker, she deserves 
the praise of Congress.

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