[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 136 (Wednesday, September 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   ``CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITIES'' PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2011

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the winners of 
the ``Consider the Possibilities'' Personal Achievement award from the 
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Altoona, given to encourage and 
reward personal achievement within its community. HealthSouth has 
presented rehabilitation awards to members of their community who have 
remained steadfast in overcoming an illness or disability. This year I 
congratulate: Danielle Gibbons and Frank Germino, winners of the 
``Consider the Possibilities'' Personal Achievement Award; and Shelly 
Beaver, Sherri McGregor, and Joe Reed, winners of the Advocate Award.
  Danielle Gibbons is the winner of the HealthSouth ``Consider the 
Possibilities'' Personal Achievement Award. On June 18, 2010, Danielle, 
37 years old at the time and a single mother of two, was involved in a 
motor vehicle accident. Danielle was driving when another vehicle 
crossed the center line and hit her head on. The other driver was 
killed and Danielle was left with life threatening injuries. Danielle 
had to be cut out of the car, and was transported to the hospital where 
surgeons were ready to amputate her right leg. Instead, she insisted 
that she be flown to Pittsburgh where she underwent nine surgeries in 
order to keep her right leg. In October 2010, Danielle began physical 
therapy and she made remarkable progress. In less than one year, she 
was ambulating independently. Danielle has returned to work full time 
as a nurse practitioner. I commend her for her perseverance and good 
attitude.
  Frank Germino is also the recipient of the HealthSouth ``Consider the 
Possibilities'' Personal Achievement Award. On October 9, 2010, Frank's 
life was changed forever when he fell 12 feet from a tree stand while 
hunting. Frank broke his back in five places. After a five hour 
surgery, he was told that he would never walk again due to the 
extensive damage that was incurred. Frank was determined to walk again 
and after months of rehab and therapy, Frank did just that. His 
courageous spirit is an inspiration to everyone around him.
  Shelly Beaver and Sherri McGregor are the recipients of the 
HealthSouth Advocate Award. Through the efforts of Shelly Beaver, 
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, and Sherri McGregor, 
Education and Training Specialist at Penn State Altoona, ``Sense-
ational Endeavors'' was developed. The program creates a combination of 
sensory activities, physical movement, and social skill development. In 
addition to therapeutic programs, campers engage in recreational 
activities and exercise tailored to their ability. Both Shelly and 
Sherri have dedicated their lives to enriching the lives of countless 
children.
  Joe Reed is also the recipient of the HealthSouth Advocate Award. Joe 
is responsible for bringing a Miracle League to Blair County. The 
Miracle League provides baseball for all children with special needs. 
The field is constructed using a cushioned rubber surface with 
everything flat and level so there is nothing to trip over. Joe first 
heard about the Miracle League during a trip to Moody, Alabama while 
visiting friends in the fall of 2003. About two weeks later he read 
about it in the Kiwanis Magazine and knew this was something that Blair 
County needed. He returned to the Moody field, and then went to see the 
original Miracle League field in Conyers, Georgia. There, he met with 
the Executive Director of the Miracle League Association, Diane Alford. 
After getting permission to use the land owned by the Kiwanis Club of 
Eldorado, he assembled a Board of Directors in early 2004 and began 
fundraising and promotion. Joe raised over $150,000. Construction began 
in the fall of 2006. The total cost of the project was $497,000. 
Opening day was July 21, 2007 with 24 children. Today they have 125 
players and over 175 volunteers.
  Congratulations to Danielle, Frank, Shelly, Sherri, and Joe. Their 
accomplishments are a testament to us all that with hard work, 
persistence, and a big heart, we can overcome any hardship. I 
congratulate each of them on their perseverance, and I wish them the 
best as they continue to overcome illnesses and disabilities while 
setting an example for the rest of the community.

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