[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 2, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           2009 GREAT COMEBACKS RECIPIENT FOR THE WEST REGION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROB BISHOP

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 2, 2010

  Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sylvia 
Prothro Hebert of Park City. Sylvia has been selected as a 2009 Great 
Comebacks Recipient for the West Region. This program honors annually a 
group of individuals who are living with intestinal diseases or 
recovering from ostomy surgery.
   At age 9, Sylvia Prothro Hebert was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. 
At first Sylvia managed her symptoms with medication but flare-ups 
became a constant companion during college. Her weight dropped to 89 
pounds, teeth loosened and hair fell out. At age 21, her intestines 
were punctured during a colonoscopy and she underwent ostomy surgery. 
``I awoke with this `thing' on my side and was in shock--I thought my 
life was over,'' says Sylvia.
   Since her diagnosis, Sylvia has triumphed over her illness, soaring 
to new heights to fulfill her dream of becoming a flight attendant--and 
by her records--the first Delta flight attendant with an ileostomy!
   Today, Sylvia, 42, lives in Park City, UT with her husband Paul and 
their children, Reese, 5, Garrett, 3\1/2\, Renee, 1\1/2\. In addition 
to skiing, Sylvia has completed two half-marathons and a triathlon. ``I 
feel healthier and happier than I've ever felt in my life,'' says 
Sylvia. ``Ostomy surgery gave me freedom to do things I wanted--it's 
great to be alive.''
   I would like to congratulate Sylvia on her recent recognition as a 
2009 Great Comebacks recipient.

                          ____________________