[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 1, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E44-E45]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF DR. MAHMOUD ``MICHAEL'' ORRA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 1, 2006

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Dr. Mahmoud ``Michael'' Orra--beloved husband, father, brother and 
friend to many, whose innovation in medicine and focus on healthcare 
for the poor will forever resound throughout our community.

[[Page E45]]

  Dr. Orra was born in Baka Valley, Lebanon. His dedication to his 
family and to our most vulnerable citizens remained unwavering 
throughout his life. Dr. Orra's vision and innovation led him to the 
practice of specialized medical treatments including holistic methods. 
He was the CEO of four clinics that infused holistic and traditional 
medical care. His medical expertise was surpassed only by his 
compassion for others. Dr. Orra's kind demeanor and quick smile easily 
drew others to him, and most significantly, he was a light of hope and 
well being for families, children and senior citizens who struggled 
daily against a tide of poverty and homelessness on Cleveland's West 
side.
  Dr. Orra regularly provided free medical services to low-income 
individuals and families, free of charge. He offered respect and 
dedicated attention to every patient, regardless of the person's 
station in life. Dr. Orra's generosity and vision extended throughout 
Cleveland's Arab community. Throughout his volunteer tenure with 
AACCESS-Ohio Arab American Community Center for Economic and Social 
Services, Dr. Orra was instrumental in helping the organization expand 
its services, which now include programs assisting immigrant and low-
income families.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of Dr. Mahmoud ``Michael'' Orra, whose energetic spirit, boundless 
vision and expansive heart has served to uplift the lives of countless 
families and individuals throughout our community. I extend my deepest 
condolences to Dr. Orra's wife, Amne Youssef; to his children, Muna, 
Leana and Michael; and to his brother, Dr. Abdul Orra. Dr. Orra's 
legacy of faith, family and community will forever reflect within the 
hearts of his family and friends, and will continue on as a source of 
personal hope, healing and strength, where none existed before.

                          ____________________