[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 132 (Wednesday, October 9, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1803]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO ERIC SIMONS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 9, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I 
recognize Mr. Eric Simons of Boulder, Colorado for his tremendous 
courage and optimism in the face of some of life's most disheartening 
circumstances. In 1995, Mr. Simons was diagnosed with multiple 
sclerosis and initially suffered many disabling consequences. Today, I 
wish to commend Mr. Simons on his recovery efforts and convey his 
inspiring story before this body of Congress.
  Mr. Simons has been an avid mountain climber throughout his life and 
has reached the summit of many of the world's highest peaks. In 1995, 
Mr. Simons returned home after climbing the prestigious Sandstone 
Cliffs of Eldorado Canyon when his neck started getting stiff and his 
body began to go numb. Following this initial attack, Mr. Simons also 
suffered from organ failure, losing over 40 pounds and much of his 
previous strength. Once able to climb some of the most rigorous and 
technical mountains in the world, Mr. Simons found himself unable to 
climb out of bed.
  Undaunted by his deteriorating health, Mr. Simons began to set goals 
for himself, and remained committed to regaining his strength and 
energy. First, he began to try simply sitting up and then slowly began 
attempting to stand. Once on his feet, his next objective was to make 
it toward the gazebo in his yard and watch his kids play. Finally, he 
began to gain enough strength to walk around the neighborhood, first 
with the aid of his son and then finally on his own.
  Today, Mr. Simons has regained his strength and has summited many of 
the world's most technical mountains, including Mt. Rainier (14,441 
feet elevation), Mexico's Pico de Orizaba (18,401 feet elevation), and 
Mt. Kilamanjaro (19,434 feet elevation). He has also been very open 
about his condition, speaking out, hoping to bring awareness of the 
disease and to inspire others who are fighting the same illness. Last 
summer, Mr. Simons led a group of people living with MS on an 
expedition to Mt. Denali and came very close to summiting the 20,000-
foot peak but were prevented due to high winds, brutal cold and deep 
snow. However, the attempt and accomplishment it represents is the true 
summit of achievement.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a distinct privilege to recognize Eric Simons 
before the body of Congress and this nation for his outstanding 
commitment, optimism, and resolve. Mr. Simons confronted the 
uncertainties that life presented him and, through sheer determination, 
has transformed them into his greatest achievement. By meeting this 
challenge head-on and making defeat an impossibility, Mr. Simons has 
not only resumed his daily lifestyle but has inspired others with 
similar difficulties to stay active and continue to live their lives.

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