[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 58 (Thursday, April 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E543]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO TYLER WEIG

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 2013

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize 
Tyler Weig for being named a 2013 Hero of the Heartland by the American 
Red Cross serving Greater Iowa.
   Each year, the American Red Cross serving Greater Iowa recognizes 
Heroes of the Heartland by selecting everyday Iowans who have done 
extraordinary things to help their neighbors and communities. The 
Iowans honored with this prestigious award displayed selflessness in a 
variety of courageous, charitable and thoughtful acts. The Heroes of 
the Heartland program not only showcases the heroes among us, but also 
helps raise crucial funds to ensure that the American Red Cross is 
prepared and equipped to assist those that need food, shelter, and 
comfort during emergencies and difficult times.
   To be named a Hero of the Heartland, Tyler Weig took it upon himself 
to change a life forever by donating his own kidney to a stranger in 
need. Tyler was inspired to donate by researching the vast need for 
healthy kidneys and discovering nearly 95,000 people across the country 
and more than 500 Iowans currently on a waiting list. It's fitting, 
then, that Mr. Weig's selfless action has started the longest kidney 
transplant chain in Iowa's history. So far, the chain started by 
Tyler's lifesaving donation has helped five recipients who were facing 
a combined waiting list of 12 years. Tyler's commitment to a cause 
bigger than himself is a life-changing example that our State can be 
proud of.
   Mr. Speaker, Mr. Weig's actions that earned him the title a ``Hero 
of the Heartland'' are a testament to the humble, hardworking and 
helpful people who make up the great state of Iowa. I invite my 
colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Tyler on a job 
well done, thanking the American Red Cross serving Greater Iowa for 
their life changing efforts, and wishing all of those involved in the 
Heroes of the Heartland program continued success for years to come.

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