[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 78 (Friday, June 16, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO ARIEL COHEN

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                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 15, 2006

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ariel Cohen for her 
remarkable recovery from pediatric stroke and the inspiration she has 
provided to other pediatric patients at the National Rehabilitation 
Hospital (NRH).
  Ariel's life was profoundly changed on November 30, 2005 when she was 
struck with a very rare, often initially misdiagnosed, and almost 
always seriously debilitating condition--pediatric stroke. Having 
initially experienced complete paralysis on the left side of her body, 
Ariel was truly fighting for her life. After eight days in Pediatric 
Intensive Care Unit, Ariel entered NRH. Upon her arrival Ariel quickly 
progressed in the Pediatric Unit at NRH to the point of being able to 
sit unassisted, and was soon capable of limited weight bearing on her 
left side.
  The first two weeks at NRH saw a striking turn in Ariel's recovery as 
the strength and control in Ariel's leg, trunk and face progressed 
rapidly. The Cohen's credit NRH, and specifically the National Center 
for Children's Rehabilitation, for offering Ariel a well balanced 
approach to recovery, one that utilized the many disciplines of 
physical rehabilitation, counseling and aquatic therapy, the most 
technologically advanced equipment and processes, as well as the 
incorporation of peer support and an incredible amount of positive 
reinforcement. Within the first week, Ariel learned to really like and 
trust her therapists. She looked forward to her sessions, and she was 
always made to feel successful--no matter how small the gain.
  For all that Ariel has received; she has given back--cooking her 
famous chocolate chip pancakes for the NRH team members who assisted in 
her rehab, using her own room decorations, surprising a fellow teen at 
NRH with a room makeover in a well-timed ``sneak attack.'' She was an 
inspiration for all the pediatric patients at NRH--working incredibly 
hard with a spirit and determination to recover that has never waned. 
And while it is true that no 13-year-old girl wants to stand out, Ariel 
has taken in stride that by standing out, she offers much to other 
victims of pediatric stroke. From that day in November and Ariel's 
subsequent ongoing recovery springs a wealth of knowledge on the part 
of the medical community and, as Ariel hopes, educational resources for 
other families coping with the effects of pediatric stroke. Every day, 
Ariel pushes herself to recover more fully, always keenly aware of the 
gifts she received as a patient at NRH--the keys to own her recovery, 
mentally, emotionally and physically. As the signs and symptoms of her 
stroke fade by the day, a complete recovery of use and function now 
appears probable.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Ariel Cohen. Her recovery from 
pediatric stroke is truly an inspiration and her efforts to assist in 
the recovery of her fellow patients are commendable. When I met Ariel, 
I couldn't help but be inspired by her determination and passion, which 
is why I am recognizing her today. She is truly a remarkable young 
woman, and I wish her the best in her continuing recovery.

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