[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 5, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E744-E745]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE SHARP HEALTHCARE VICTORIES OF SPIRIT EVENT

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 2004

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 14th 
annual Sharp Healthcare Victories of Spirit event. This event is a 
celebration of all that is right in health care and the value of 
community ties. For over 40 years, the Sharp model of rehabilitation 
care provides innovative services that assist individuals impacted by 
catastrophic injury or illness in reaching their greatest potential--at 
home, at school, on the job and in recreational and sports activities. 
Their success is demonstrated through the achievements of those who are 
privileged to serve within Rehabilitation Service. Victories of Spirit 
showcases great work and partnerships that lead to even greater patient 
outcomes and achievement.
  This special evening is dedicated to honoring incredible people who 
have played a hand at turning tragedy into triumph. The Eagle Spirit 
Award represents the symbolism of the Eagle Spirit, a Navajo sign of 
the most potent healing power, one that elicits images of soaring, of 
conquering and of excelling. Victories of Spirit is a night that 
celebrates triumphs and those who make them possible. Year after year 
it demonstrates to our community just how powerful the human spirit is 
and inspires each one of us to be the best we can be. I would like to 
individually recognize each of the recipients of the Eagle Spirit 
Award:
  Josephina Everett is a mother and a teacher for deaf children in 
need. Josefina and her husband, Luke, live in Mexico and run a free 
Christian home and school for deaf children in Mexico. Josephina, who 
became deaf at the age of five, has dedicated her life to helping deaf 
children learn and appreciate their gifts. Following a burst aneurysm 
that almost took her life, Josephina learned to sign again using one 
hand and eventually learned to write and to walk. Josefina and her 
family have shown great strength against all odds. Their love and faith 
have brought them all back to the deaf children of Valle de Guadalupe.
  DeShjon Mitchell knows he's not defined by his paralysis, and that 
his dreams before his injury continue on. He's just altering how he 
plans to accomplish them. This athletic teen went back to school and 
graduated with his class. He then went on to San Diego State University 
and completed his degree in Economics just four years later. Through 
his work with Sharp On Survival he is rediscovering his confidence. He 
is still playing sports and enjoying music, and he's added public 
speaking to his talents, working as a Voice of Injury Prevention (VIP) 
for Sharp On Survival.
  Juan Solis was diagnosed at the age of 37 neurocysticercosis and 
hydrocephalus with which required multiple surgeries and shunting to 
drain the fluid on his brain. He spent months in the hospital followed 
by several years in a nursing home. With the help of the patients and 
staff of Sharp Cabrillo Skilled Nursing Unit, Juan is forever grateful 
he's got a second chance on life. He is finally home with his family 
and working two jobs after being away for five years. He hopes to 
return to coaching the neighborhood kids in ``futbol-soccer'' this 
year.
  Mathew Sparks was temporarily sidelined from his dream of service to 
his Country by a spinal cord injury at the age of 23. While Matt may 
not be able to fly with the Marines, he is now telling his story as a 
Voice of Injury Prevention (VIP) for Sharp On Survival. Through Matt's 
work in the program, he's able to serve by speaking at the Marine Corps 
and Navy safety stand-downs, helping to protect the men and women who 
protect our country.
  Christine O. Timmins is an educator who hasn't let a 1978 spinal 
injury change her. She is full of capability, dedicated to serving, and 
dedicated to her students. Christine's courage has benefited teens for 
more than 30 years now. Her colleagues will tell you, ``She can no 
longer leave footprints in the sand, but she leaves imprints on the 
hearts and minds of all whom she has taught and touched with her 
ability for so many years.''
  The San Diego Brain Injury Foundation has been serving brain injury 
survivors and their loved ones since 1983. The foundation started as a 
grass roots effort by families of survivors who knew they needed help 
and that many others would too. Over the last 20 years, those initial 
seeds have blossomed into a regional not-for-profit organization that 
has raised over $700,000 to provide support, resource and information, 
networking opportunities and service referral to 11,000 people affected 
by brain injury each year in San Diego County. Their mission is to 
improve the quality of life for brain injury survivors and their 
families and promote public awareness and social advocacy.
  More than 500 guests including business, government and educational 
leaders, physicians and health care executives, rehabilitation 
providers, the media and honored community members from the San Diego 
area will join in the celebration. I would like to thank the Honorary 
chair of the event, Donnie Edwards of the San Diego Chargers. Donnie 
will be joined by Bree Walker, a producer/broadcaster, who has hosted 
the celebration for more than a decade.
  This inspiring evening will benefit Sharp On Survival, Sharp's 
Institute for Injury and Violence Prevention, the recognized model 
chapter of the Think First National Injury Prevention Foundation. All 
proceeds raised from this event benefit Sharp On Survival and help to

[[Page E745]]

bring vital prevention education to more youth throughout San Diego 
County. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the 
Victories of Spirit event, the recipients of the Victories of Spirit 
award, and all those who assisted in making this event a success.

                          ____________________