[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 130 (Tuesday, September 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING DAVID CAREY, RECIPIENT OF ROBERT WOODS JOHNSON COMMUNITY 
                              LEADER AWARD

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                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 15, 2009

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate David Carey 
on being honored with the Robert Woods Johnson Community Leader Award. 
David is currently the Human Services Co-op Board Chair of Inspire, an 
organization that aims to empower individuals with disabilities to 
direct and control their own services in a way that promotes community 
life.
   David's journey began in 1988. One evening, as his roommate and a 
friend were examining a gun, it went off, shooting a bullet into his 
spine as he slept. In just moments, he went from dreaming of becoming a 
professional baseball player to facing the rest of his life with 
quadriplegia. While this sudden change of circumstance would deter many 
people, David redirected his energy to help other people with 
disabilities.
   Today, David's leadership impacts the lives of over 500,000 people 
with disabilities in the Phoenix area. Since 2006, when he led a group 
of individuals to create Inspire, David has secured long term contracts 
to provide attendant care services and ensure that individuals across 
Arizona receive the quality of care they deserve. He has also worked 
with local transit authorities to create accessible public 
transportation throughout the Valley of the Sun.
   When I was an Arizona State Senator, David would come to my office 
to lobby on disability issues. It did not make any difference how hot 
it was outside; David put in the effort and make his way to the State 
Capitol, usually on public transportation. I was impressed with him 
then, and continue to be impressed with his accomplishments now.
   The Robert Woods Johnson Foundation Community Health Leaders program 
each year honors 10 outstanding and otherwise unrecognized individuals 
who overcome daunting odds to improve health and health care, 
especially to underserved populations in communities across the United 
States. The program elevates the work of these unsung heroes, like 
David, through enhanced recognition, technical assistance and new 
leadership opportunities. I know he will use these new resources to 
improve the lives of Arizonans with disabilities.
   Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating David Carey on being 
honored with the Robert Woods Johnson Community Leader Award. His 
dedication to creating better communities is an example for us all.

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