[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 161 (Tuesday, November 27, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MS. DIANNE O'DELL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN S. TANNER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 27, 2001

  Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dear friend of mine, 
a remarkable woman who teaches us there are no limits to what a person 
can accomplish.
  At 3 years old, Dianne O'Dell was diagnosed with polio and, soon 
after, began her life in an iron lung. Her parents, Freeman and Geneva, 
were told Dianne would not reach adulthood. Now, more than 50 years 
later, Dianne is still going strong. It is believed she has lived 
longer in an iron lung than anyone else in the world.
  Ms. O'Dell's physical handicaps have not discouraged her. While 
living inside the yellow, seven-foot-long iron lung, she used a two-way 
radio to complete coursework and graduate from Jackson High School. She 
took classes from Freed-Hardeman College, now Freed-Hardeman 
University, and accepted an honorary doctorate in psychology from 
Freed-Hardeman. She wrote a children's book, ``Blinky Less Light,'' and 
is currently working on her autobiography.
  Dianne says she has been able to reach her goals despite her physical 
limitations because of positive thinking and her sense of humor. She 
often refers to her iron lung as her ``yellow submarine'' and enjoys 
having it decorated for holidays. Dianne remembers one Halloween when 
she costumed the machine as a giant roll of Life Savers candy.
  Ms. O'Dell also credits her strong sense of faith. She worships with 
the Campbell Street Church of Christ in her hometown of Jackson, 
Tennessee, although she is not able to attend services. Members of the 
congregation bring her taped sermons and the Lord's Supper.
  Dianne's family has also played a valuable role. Mr. and Mrs. O'Dell, 
along with Dianne's two sisters, have been by their daughter's side her 
whole life, often making personal sacrifices for her health.
  Over the years, Ms. O'Dell has worked with others coping with 
disabilities, especially families with disabled children. She tells 
them how important it is to keep faith and a positive outlook.
  I believe Dianne's spirit and love of life are encouraging--not only 
to those facing similar situations, but to all of us. She is an 
inspiration to everyone who knows her or has heard her remarkable 
story. Above all, Ms. O'Dell is a reminder that there is no limit to 
what a person can accomplish with an unyielding spirit like hers. Mr. 
Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues rise and join me in 
recognizing Ms. Dianne O'Dell.

                          ____________________