[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 77 (Wednesday, June 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO DANNY COLLINS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 11, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man whose 
unrelenting spirit, and passion for life, have personally touched me 
during our many years of friendship: Danny Collins. I grew up with 
Danny and have been impressed by his infectious joy since we first met. 
Danny's ongoing struggle with the effects of Down Syndrome has been an 
inspiration to me from a very young age; to watch him undertake this 
battle with a constant smile on his face has been a reminder of the 
many ways in which we all take our lives for granted.
  Danny was born in Glenwood Springs, CO, in 1953, though he was raised 
for much of his early life in nearby Carbondale. At the age of ten, 
Danny Collins returned to Glenwood Springs, where we both spent our 
childhood. From a young age, it was clear that Danny was a very special 
person. Though he has Down Syndrome, Danny has been a constant source 
of light in the lives of others: he has never allowed his challenges to 
dampen his contagious spirit for life.
  In 1978, Danny became a client at Mountain Valley Developmental 
Services of Glenwood Springs, where he received invaluable care and 
attention from their many skilled practitioners. He moved into their 
first group home on Hager Lane and benefited from the camaraderie and 
love that Mountain Valley Developmental Services had to offer. Danny 
currently works as a weaver at Mountain Valley Weavers, where he has 
developed remarkable skill in the trade, adding a little piece of 
himself to each item he weaves.
  Having spent his entire life in Colorado, Danny has been an avid 
Denver Broncos football fan for many years. Like many Broncos fans, 
Danny is an admirer of former Quarterback John Elway. To express his 
love and appreciation for Elway and his exploits on the field, Danny 
recently wove bright orange mug mats and a glass case for John Elway 
and his family--yet another example of Danny's big heart and selfless 
nature.
  Mr. Speaker, I bring my friend Danny Collins to the attention of this 
body of Congress not because of the particular accomplishments he has 
achieved during the course of his life, but rather for the infectious 
spirit and indomitable will that have been his hallmark since 
childhood. I am proud to pay tribute to a good friend and fellow 
Coloradan. The love and joy that Danny reflects was absorbed from his 
caring family who have swarmed around him like angels from the time he 
was young. Though Danny's parents have sadly passed away recently, I 
know their affection for Danny lives on in the lives of his three 
siblings. I echo their admiration for Danny as I pay tribute to him 
today here on the floor of this distinguished Chamber--he is a truly 
remarkable man.

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