[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 79 (Tuesday, June 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1066]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF ANDREW D'AMICO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 8, 2004

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, with this month being Autism Awareness 
Month, I ask that you join me in recognizing the efforts of Andrew 
D'Amico and his parents, Mr. Frank D'Amico and Mrs. Nancy D'Amico in 
supporting this cause. With autism occurring in 1 in every 250 births 
nationwide, more scientific research in regard to causes and treatments 
would prove to be beneficial. The D'Amicos participate in the National 
Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR), an organization that as its name 
suggests funds and promotes scientific research to determine both the 
biological origin and possible cure for this condition. In 1994, NAAR 
became the first association in the United States to uphold a mission 
dedicated to research concerning autism. More recently, on April 1st of 
last year, the D'Amicos along with other representatives of NAAR 
lobbied on NAAR's Hill Day for increases in the NIH budget specifically 
geared towards researching this condition.
  In addition to boosting financial resources for research, NAAR builds 
a supportive community of friends and family connected to autism. This 
group's major fundraiser, Walk F.A.R. for NAAR, takes care of both 
bases by raising funds and by connecting many individuals through one 
powerful goal of spreading awareness and deepening knowledge. NAAR 
hosts this special 4-mile long walk in numerous locations throughout 
the Nation. Since May 2000, 150,000 walkers have together raised over 
$15 million. The dedication and care of those involved in the walk 
survive any obstacle, as is evident in last year's Delaware Valley 
Walk. Rain drenched this site, but 2,000 supporters completed every bit 
of the 4 miles and collected $204,000. The commitment of NAAR's members 
simply shines. Walkers can take part in this event separately or within 
a team. Andrew and his parents formed Team Andrew, a team that at fifty 
walkers strong donated $10,000 alone last year at the previously 
mentioned walk. Andrew along with the rest of his team intends to 
continue their strong showing and partake in the 2004 Delaware Valley 
Walk on June 12th, exactly two months before his 18th birthday.
  Aside from his activities with NAAR, Andrew devotes himself to high 
achievement within his high school and surrounding communities. 
Currently a junior at West Deptford High School, he has earned 
upstanding academic marks and the esteem of the faculty. Such 
accomplishment secured for Andrew the Principal's Award for the second 
marking period of the current school year and an invitation to apply 
for membership to the West Deptford Chapter of the National Honor 
Society. Acceptance into this society revolves around scholarship, 
service, character, and leadership. Further solidifying his involvement 
within West Deptford High School, Andrew serves through the Key Club 
and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). Rather than taking a 
back seat, Andrew actively and admirably becomes involved.

  Andrew combines his interest in service and ability to lead by 
volunteering at the Gloucester County Camp that focuses on Asperberger 
Syndrome. Those exhibiting symptoms of this condition show signs of 
deficient socialization and difficulty in coping with changes in 
routine. This 4-week program aims to comfortably increase social 
interaction amongst its participants. Andrew, a two-year veteran, 
decided to take another step up and reach out to those willing to put 
out a hand. The construction of this tight network offers a foundation 
for the individuals of the camp to gain support from. Mr. D'Amico 
described his son's incredible ripple effects when he commented, 
``Andrew has made our family stronger and each of us a stronger person. 
We were all blessed on the day he was born.'' Andrew chooses not to 
view his state as a heavy weight or crutch. He instead aspires to not 
only take care of himself and his responsibilities but to also touch 
and invigorate those around him. For a myriad of reasons, Andrew 
D'Amico unquestionably deserves acknowledgment.

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