[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 115 (Thursday, September 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN PRAISE OF THOMAS O'SULLIVAN, DR. FRED EPSTEIN, AND DR. GEORGE JALLO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2002

  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I today offer my praise for 
the incredible strength, dedication and bravery of three individuals, 
Thomas O'Sullivan, Dr. Fred Epstein and Dr. George Jallo.
  In the beginning of 1999, then five-year-old Thomas started to have 
difficulty walking and maintaining balance. His parents, Patrick and 
Andrienne O'Sullivan, obviously concerned, took Thomas to a doctor in 
Ireland. Thomas was diagnosed as having an inoperable brain tumor, and 
his parents immediately began searching for someone who could help him. 
They had heard of one Dr. Fred Epstein, who founded the Institute for 
Neurology and Neurosurgery at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York 
City. Dr. Epstein's team received and reviewed Thomas' medical records.
  Through this connection, a doctor trained by Dr. Epstein, Dr. George 
Jallo, agreed to perform surgery on Thomas without cost. In April of 
2002, Dr. Jallo successfully removed 70% of the tumor plaguing Thomas' 
health. I cannot overstate how much we owe Dr. Epstein and Dr. Jallo 
for their work, because without this surgery, Thomas would have lost 
the ability to walk or swallow, his condition would have worsened, and 
he would most likely not have been able to live a normal life.
  While Thomas still faces a difficult road to recovery, thanks to Dr. 
Epstein, Dr. Jallo and to Thomas' own inner-strength, it is by no means 
an impossible one. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the determination and 
commitment that they have all demonstrated. It is truly a testament to 
the richness of the human spirit. I also wish Thomas good health and 
long life, and encourage those who are still working on Thomas' behalf 
to see that he reaches that goal. Your actions have made us all proud 
and should serve as a reminder to the American people of the good that 
is in all of us. Thank you.

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