[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 66 (Wednesday, May 24, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E951-E952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING JOHN ``J.J.'' BOUMA FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO RAISING AWARENESS 
                                 OF ALS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PETER HOEKSTRA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2006

  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John ``J.J.'' Bouma 
for his efforts to raise support and awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral 
Sclerosis or ALS.
  From May 18-24, 2006, John ``J.J.'' Bouma drove, along with 13 other 
people, from Grand Rapids, Michigan to the Santa Monica pier in 
California on Route 66 to raise awareness about ALS. While the initial 
hope was to raise $66,000, Mr. Bouma's efforts have already raised more 
than $265,000. A photographer accompanied the trip to document it for a 
book and a traveling photo exhibit, which will be used to further raise 
awareness of the realities of ALS.
  ALS, more commonly known as ``Lou Gehrig's Disease,'' is a 
neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways 
connected to the brain and spinal cord. Many patients progress to a 
point where they become physically paralyzed, but remain cognitively 
aware. John Bouma's awareness and passion for ALS arose when he was 
diagnosed with ALS in September of 2005.
  Approximately 15 people are diagnosed daily with ALS, most of whom 
have an average life expectancy of 2 to 5 years. Only about 20 percent 
of those affected will live an additional 5 years.
  John Bouma's efforts to raise money and awareness about this 
degenerative disease are to be commended. There have been significant 
advancements in increasing the independence of those afflicted with the 
disease although there is still no cure.

[[Page E952]]

  Mr. Speaker, please let it be known that on this 24th day of May in 
2006, that the U.S. House of Representatives acknowledges the 
contributions and achievements of John ``J.J.'' Bouma and his 13 
friends to raise awareness about ALS and wishes them well with their 
continued efforts.

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