[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 73 (Thursday, May 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO ARON RALSTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I have the distinct honor to stand before 
this body today and honor a remarkably courageous young man from my 
district. Many of you have already heard of Aron Ralston and marveled 
at his story--one that has captured this nation's attention.
  Aron went canyoneering in a remote part of Utah recently, and while 
scrambling up the side of a canyon wall, the unthinkable happened. A 
1,000 pound boulder shifted and pinned his arm to the rock face. Aron 
tried every plausible means of escape, but nothing worked. He had only 
intended to be gone for one day, and by the third day, he had exhausted 
his supply of water. Eventually Aron realized that help probably 
wouldn't come soon, which led him to do something most people probably 
could not have done. On the fifth day of his ordeal, Aron amputated his 
own arm in order to save his life.
  Once free, Aron set up anchors and amazingly rappelled about 70 feet 
with one arm. Then, even though he was bleeding, famished and 
dehydrated, he hiked some five miles out of the canyon to find help. 
Once news of his story got out, much of the world marveled at Aron's 
resourcefulness and will to live.
  Mr. Speaker, Aron is an experienced adventurer with a long list of 
impressive athletic achievements. He has climbed all of Colorado's 14-
thousand foot peaks and ascended 45 of the 57 alone in winter. We honor 
him today, though, not for conquering another mountain, but for 
overcoming an even greater challenge. Aron's amazing bravery in the 
face of adversity has made us all proud. He is not just an outstanding 
athlete--he is an inspiration. I wish him a quick recovery and all the 
best in his future endeavors.

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