[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 34 (Tuesday, March 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO GREAT COMEBACKS TONY SNOW WINNER JUSTIN BLUM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 8, 2011

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my 
constituents, Justin Blum of Florence, South Carolina. Justin has been 
selected as the Great Comebacks Tony Snow Public Service Award 
recipient for 2010. This award, named in memory of the former White 
House advisor and news broadcaster who passed away from colon cancer, 
was created to honor extraordinary individuals who are passionate about 
serving their country while dealing courageously with debilitating 
intestinal diseases and ostomy surgery.
  The Great Comebacks Program is sponsored by ConvaTec in partnership 
with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation (CCFA), the United Ostomy 
Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA) and the Intestinal Disease 
Education and Awareness Society (IDEAS). Each year, Great Comebacks 
presents awards to individuals throughout the United States who have 
struggled with a chronic intestinal condition and have exhibited 
extraordinary strength and courage for managing to live full and 
productive lives despite daily struggles. Today, there are more than 
700,000 men, women and children throughout our country affected by the 
very conditions that can result in an ostomy.
  Following a 21-year history of ulcerative colitis, Mr. Blum opted for 
ostomy surgery while a Major on active duty in the Army. The words ``I 
can't'' have never been part of Mr. Blum's vocabulary and he uses his 
ostomy to set an example to others that anything is possible in life if 
you set your mind to it. This drive allowed Mr. Blum to complete 21 
years of active Army service before retiring with the rank of 
Lieutenant Colonel and to tackle his next goal of becoming a JROTC 
instructor. He is currently in his 15th year as a JROTC instructor at 
Marlboro County High School in Bennettsville, South Carolina and in 
this capacity has worked with more than 5,000 at-risk students.
  Mr. Blum credits his wife for providing him with the emotional and 
physical support needed to transition to ``life'' as a permanent 
ostomate. He also credits his Wound Ostomy Care (WOC) nurse, Cindy 
Norris with performing selfless acts on behalf of her clients and for 
always being available to him.
  Commenting on his ostomy, Justin says, ``The best advice I have given 
other ostomates is that they are very fortunate and are now in a 
position to accomplish anything. As an ostomate, they are cured from 
previous inflictions like colitis or Crohns' and they have been 
provided a second chance for life. They can set an example for all to 
emulate by making a difference in the lives of others who do not have 
the motivation and self-esteem they are experiencing.''
  I urge my colleagues to take the time to meet with some of the Great 
Comebacks award recipients. Their personal stories, like Justin's, are 
inspirational and will heighten your awareness about some of the huge 
strides being made by people living with intestinal diseases or 
recovering from ostomy surgery.

                          ____________________