[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 34 (Tuesday, March 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING YVONNE AUSTIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE STIVERS

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 8, 2011

  Mr. STIVERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Yvonne Austin of 
Grove City, Ohio. Yvonne has been selected as a 2010 Great Comebacks 
Award recipient for the Central Region. Each year, Great Comebacks 
presents regional awards to 12 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.
  An 18-year-old freshman in college, Yvonne was balancing two jobs 
with her education, while secretly struggling with symptoms she could 
not explain. A year later, she finally sought medical advice and was 
diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Despite this diagnosis Yvonne was 
determined not to let the disease hinder her tenacious work ethic or 
interrupt her active lifestyle.
  With a great desire for travel, Yvonne set out to explore the world. 
Her adventurous spirit led her to the Great Barrier Reef, spending her 
time scuba diving, swimming with sharks, and even taking up 
waterskiing. However, Crohn's disease continued to invade her life with 
painful flare-ups and numerous hospitalizations. After 15 years of 
managing her symptoms with medications, Yvonne consented to a temporary 
ostomy in 2002 and opted for a permanent ileostomy in 2004.
  Three friends nominated Yvonne for the Great Comebacks Award, 
describing her as a confident and inspirational woman who radiates 
positive energy and goes the extra mile for her family and friends. 
Yvonne's friends also recalled how she quickly rushed to the aid of a 
friend's mother who had received an emergency ostomy.
  Today, Yvonne is a successful mortgage banker, and led by her 
adventurous spirit has for the past three years been a nationally-
ranked competitive water skier. She is also an avid golfer, fundraises 
for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, and volunteers at a local 
children's hospital to provide support to parents and children who are 
living with an intestinal disease and/or an ostomy. Yvonne believes 
faith, humor and a positive attitude can overcome any adversity.

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