[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 97 (Thursday, July 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         COMMENDING BEN AFFLECK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TONY P. HALL

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 12, 2001

  Mr. HALL of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a very special person, 
Ben Affleck, who came to town yesterday to host a fund-raiser on behalf 
of the A-T Children's Project. A-T (Ataxia-Telangectasia) is a genetic 
disease that attacks children. How Ben became involved is noteworthy.
  Ben met Joe Kindregan, then 10, three years ago while Ben was filming 
a segment of his hit film, Forces of Nature, at Dulles Airport. Joe had 
just started using his power wheelchair and was given the opportunity 
to meet Ben on the set during filming. Ben and Joe immediately hit it 
off and their friendship has grown since then. Ben and Joe meet 
occasionally and keep in touch by e-mail. Recently, Ben invited Joe and 
his family to the premiere of his new movie, Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii. 
Over the last few years, Ben has been able to witness first-hand the 
toll A-T has taken on Joe, and Joe's increasing dependence on his 
family, just to get through the day. Ben's devotion to Joe--and the 
Kindregan family's work with the A-T Children's Project and families--
has made a tremendous difference in their lives and has given them 
additional hope that, with the help of people like Ben, a cure is 
possible.
  Ben is a gifted young actor, popular, and hitting all the right high 
spots that a demanding career in Hollywood requires. He has gone beyond 
acting and has journeyed into the entrepreneurial world of producing 
shows as well. He has many developing interests in his life; takes the 
time to stay close to his mother; and seems to truly strive to make a 
real difference in this world.
  Ben has taken the time to learn about the disease and the various 
research projects that are focusing on finding a cure. He appeared 
before the Senate yesterday as a compassionate and informed witness to 
talk about this dreadful disease, and the remarkable progress this 
small foundation has made in so short a period of time in its search 
for a cure. He requested that Congress provide increased funding to NIH 
for A-T research. He also joined many Members of Congress and friends 
last night to do push-ups and shoot hoops at an event to raise money 
and awareness about A-T.
  I believe that Ben Affleck is an exceptional person. In his work with 
A-T, he has demonstrated a deep compassion and interest in his fellow 
man, which is particularly notable when coming from someone in the 
midst of achieving enormous fame and fortune. Ben has been a true hero 
to the A-T kids, and I extend my personal thanks to him.

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