[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 130 (Friday, September 27, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S7006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              JOEY'S PARK

 Mr. MARKEY. Madam President, I would like to pay tribute to a 
little boy named Joey O'Donnell. Joey was a great kid. Full of energy. 
Full of imagination. Smart as a whip.
  Joey suffered from a rare pediatric disease called cystic fibrosis. 
The disease attacks early and it affects the lungs, pancreas and 
several other critical systems of the body.
  It is in honor of Joey that I started the Congressional Cystic 
Fibrosis Caucus in the House of Representatives. Joey died in 1986 as a 
result of his worsening condition. Back then we didn't have the amazing 
life-changing therapies we have now. Today, we have a novel and life-
saving therapy known as Kalydeco that gives those suffering from cystic 
fibrosis and their families hope. It was developed by Vertex, 
headquartered in my home State of Massachusetts. It is the first and 
only FDA approved medication to treat a particular mutation associated 
with cystic fibrosis.
  It is in that spirit of hope that I wish to acknowledge the 
extraordinary efforts happening today in Belmont, MA to once again 
honor Joey. Hundreds of Vertex employees are volunteering their time 
along with hundreds of others to rebuild the original ``Joey's Park'' 
in Belmont.
  I congratulate and thank those hundreds of volunteers for building 
this fantastic playground, which will inspire hope and imagination in 
all kids. It will serve as an important place in the community and is a 
fitting way to honor Joey and his spirit.

                          ____________________