[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 78 (Friday, May 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1067]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO BRADLEY RUSSELL

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I stand before 
you today to recognize an individual who exemplifies the spirit, 
determination, and resolve that constitutes the backbone of this great 
nation. Bradley Russell of Cortez, Colorado was involved in a severe 
automobile accident in July of 2001, forcing him to leave high school 
and engage in daily physical therapy. Bradley was diagnosed with a 
brain injury that has affected coordination, motor skills, strength, 
and endurance. Bradley's injuries were so severe that he was told he 
could never walk again. Bradley has been working diligently towards 
recovery with the goal of high school graduation firmly on his mind.
  While Bradley knew his brain injury was serious, he set out from the 
beginning to accomplish his most important goal: walking across the 
stage at graduation. This goal caused him to work harder then he ever 
had before. Bradley was forced to overcome his lack of balance; his 
biggest fear was that he might fall. Bradley's doctors compared his 
rehabilitation with that of a newborn child; he was forced to learn 
numerous skills all over again. Bradley was lucky enough to have a 
caring support group helping him through his ordeal. He is also blessed 
with great parents who exemplify the compassion and love that wonderful 
parents across this nation show to their children. Tammy and Ron 
Russell lived outside of the hospital in a camper so that they could be 
by their son at all times. Tammy even quit her job so that she could be 
closer to her son.
  Mr. Speaker, I proudly stand before this Congress today to express my 
respect and admiration for Bradley Russell. Bradley should be an 
example to us all, and I hope that his recovery continues to go well. 
Walking across the stage at graduation has become a reality for 
Bradley, an accomplishment of which he should be very proud. Today, May 
22, 2003, the Seniors of Montezuma-Cortez High School are taking the 
next step in their lives; and Bradley Russell is right by their side.




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