[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 106 (Thursday, July 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1495-E1496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MR. MARVIN BARRISH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2003

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 
accomplishments and contributions of Mr. Marvin Barrish. It is a 
privilege to recognize a person whose personal triumph over injury 
pales in comparison to his triumphs for the disabled community.
  Mr. Barrish is a former owner of five Center City newsstands and a 
former distinguished dancer whose talent led to an appearance in the 
movie ``Rocky II''. Tragically, in 1980, Mr. Barrish was shot in the 
back, paralyzing him from the waist down. He endured months of therapy 
only to concede to his inability to ever walk again.
  Regardless of this physical setback, Marvin Barrish was determined to 
continue living abundantly and vivaciously. He underwent a grueling 
training regiment in order to compete in the 16-mile "Walk-a-thon" for 
the March of Dimes. He also appeared at the Philadelphia First Union 
Spectrum for the half time show of the Villanova-Georgetown game where 
he performed his ``heel chair rockin.'' Now his appearances cover a 
broad range of benefit performances for Philadelphia Children's 
Hospital, Shriners' Hospital, The Special Olympics, The United Cerebral 
Palsy Foundation, and the United Negro College Fund, just to name a 
few.
  He has, accordingly, been acknowledged for his contributions to the 
community by both the

[[Page E1496]]

Senate and the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania. His struggle and determination to overcome his personal 
inhibition is an inspiration to all.
  It is my honor to recognize a person whose dedication to the 
handicapped and other wise disabled has enriched the lives of countless 
individuals in both my district and the state of Pennsylvania. I hope 
that all of my distinguished colleagues will join me in honoring Mr. 
Marvin Barrish.

                          ____________________