[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 51 (Thursday, March 26, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S2036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO REBECCA ALEXANDER

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I ask my colleagues to join 
me in saluting Rebecca Alexander, a native Californian who has overcome 
tremendous obstacles and inspired countless others to face their own 
challenges with courage and strength.
  On April 14th, the Foundation Fighting Blindness will honor Rebecca 
Alexander with its Hope and Spirit Award at the Thirteenth Annual For 
the Love of Sight Visionary Awards Dinner here in Washington.
  Rebecca was born in Oakland with Usher syndrome type III, a rare 
genetic disorder that causes progressive blindness and deafness. She 
began losing her sight as a teenager, and suffered a fall at age 18 
that broke nearly every bone in her body. Today, Rebecca is almost 
completely blind and deaf.
  Despite these daunting setbacks, Rebecca has persevered. Now 36 years 
old, Rebecca is a psychotherapist with two master's degrees from 
Columbia University and a successful private practice in New York City. 
She is also the author of a moving memoir, ``Not Fade Away.''
  In addition to her professional achievements, Rebecca regularly 
teaches spin classes and competes in the Civilian Military Combine, 
CMC, for extreme athletes. Some of her extraordinary athletic feats 
include helping run the Olympic torch across America, participating in 
a 600-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, skydiving, and 
bungee jumping.
  As the Foundation Fighting Blindness prepares to honor Rebecca, I 
want to join them in expressing my congratulations, appreciation, and 
profound admiration for this remarkable young woman.

                          ____________________