[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 16 (Tuesday, January 28, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H1435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      THE DARRELL GWYNN FOUNDATION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Darrell 
Gwynn Foundation, a national organization that for almost 12 years has 
made its mission ``to provide support for people with paralysis and 
prevent spinal cord injuries.''
  On Friday, May 9, this important foundation will be holding an event 
in my congressional district to assist in providing power wheelchairs 
to children and young adults with spinal cord injuries.
  Darrell Gwynn, son of former NHRA drag racing world champion Jerry 
Gwynn, seemed destined to replicate his father's achievements when his 
life took a tragic turn at the young age of 28. While participating at 
a demonstration race in England, Darrell's car broke apart, then veered 
into a retaining wall at 240 miles an hour.

                              {time}  1015

  He sustained life-threatening injuries, but faith and determination 
allowed Darrell to survive this ordeal.
  In response to his new circumstances, Darrell was motivated to help 
others who face similar challenges, and he founded the Darrell Gywnn 
Foundation. The Foundation's cornerstone, the Wheelchair Donation 
Program, provides the gift of mobility and independence to those living 
with paralysis.
  Darrell's spirit and relentless efforts to offer support to people 
living with paralysis have earned him the respect and adulation of his 
colleagues. My good friend for many years--decades, actually--Angel 
Pardo, president of Spinal Cord Living-Assistance Development, said the 
following:

       Mr. Gwynn is passionate about his work, and works hard to 
     help others. Despite being quadriplegic and a partial arm 
     amputee, he often works 7 days a week.

  Thank you, Angel.
  Mr. Speaker, the work that Darrell Gwynn and Angel Pardo do every day 
on behalf of individuals afflicted by this condition is very important. 
There are an estimated 12,000 new cases of spinal cord injury and 
paralysis each year. Over 36 percent are a result of car accidents.
  I know from the many personal stories from my constituents and 
friends just how devastating these injuries can be. The toll is often 
not exclusively physical. The emotional and financial tolls can be 
substantial, both on the victims and their families.
  The provision of a power wheelchair can return confidence, freedom, 
and independence to a victim. This life-changing piece of equipment, 
however, comes at the considerable cost of approximately $25,000 a 
chair, and that is where the Darrell Gwynn Foundation comes in. They 
are committed to improving the victims' quality of life by providing 
each with a power wheelchair.
  I encourage all members of our south Florida community to attend the 
Darrell Gwynn Foundation event on Friday, May 9, at Casa Larios 
Restaurant in Miami.
  Congratulations, Darrell and Angel. May you continue to help so many 
afflicted individuals.

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