[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 144 (Wednesday, September 26, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1981-E1982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE ``AIM HIGHER'' AWARD WINNERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 26, 2007

  Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the winners of 
the ``Aim Higher'' awards from the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital 
of Altoona, given to encourage and reward personal achievement within 
its community. For the past 10 years, HealthSouth has presented 
rehabilitation awards to members of their community who have overcome a 
great disability or injury. The ``Aim Higher'' awards ceremony will 
take place this year on October 1. I congratulate this year's winners: 
Karrie Lee, winner of the ``Live.Life'' Award; and Michael Kiel and 
William Ricciotti, winners of the ``Aim Higher'' Personal Achievement 
awards.
  Karrie Lee is the winner of the HealthSouth ``Live.Life'' Award. 
Karrie was nominated by her mother for her incredible recovery from a 
life-threatening car accident. Karrie was hit by a tractor trailer in 
2003, halfway through her senior year of high school. She was left in a 
coma for several days and suffered severe injuries. After undergoing 
several surgeries Karrie was discharged to the HealthSouth 
Rehabilitation Hospital, upon which time she began her recovery. While 
Karrie's life was completely interrupted by her accident, she worked 
hard and finished her senior year at home while completing her 
rehabilitation program. She took classes at St. Francis University and 
is now studying at the University of Pittsburgh, working toward her 
goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.
  Michael Kiel is the recipient of the ``Aim Higher'' Personal 
Achievement Award. Michael was nominated for this award by his aunt. 
During his sophomore year of college, Michael was shot at a convenience 
store by a man he did not know. As a result, Michael suffered a spinal 
cord injury which left him paralyzed. While some would be defeated by 
such a tragic experience, Michael persevered, returning to college 4 
months later. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and continued 
on to earn a master's in rehab counseling. He has a love for life and 
gives back to others who have suffered by working as a rehab counselor 
in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
  William Ricciotti is also a recipient of the ``Aim Higher'' Personal 
Achievement Award. Bill suffered a stroke in 2004 which left him 
disabled; however he worked through his injuries and gained back much 
of his mobility. He learned how to walk again and has made tremendous 
progress in making a nearly complete recovery. Though his left hand was 
left slightly impaired, he continues to work on improving in therapy. 
He has continued to enjoy life, participating in activities he has 
always loved. Bill's visits bring joy to the employees of HealthSouth, 
as he always exhibits a wonderful attitude.

[[Page E1982]]

  Congratulations to Karrie, Michael and Bill. All of their stories are 
moving and inspiring, and many others can look up to their examples of 
personal strength and determination. Their stories will encourage 
others to never give up, and they may be comforted in knowing that no 
matter what is thrown their way, they can overcome it and carry on 
their lives with a positive outlook.

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