[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 134 (Thursday, September 17, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S6805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING HOWARD R. HUGHES COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, UNLV, Hughes College of Engineering 
for its incredible work in creating the Flexy-Hand 2 for 5-year-old 
Hailey Dawson. Hailey was born with Poland syndrome, making it 
extremely difficult to grip smaller items. The Flexy-Hand 2, a 3D-
printed prosthetic device created by the UNLV engineering department, 
provides Hailey with new technology that addresses this difficulty, 
giving her the ability to participate in her favorite sport--baseball.
  Hailey's mom, Yong Dawson, approached Brendan O'Toole, UNLV's chair 
of medical engineering, to ask if the department would be willing to 
create a prosthetic hand for her daughter. O'Toole was eager to take on 
the project, gathering students from UNLV and local high schools to 
help. The team has spent nearly 2 years working on the project and 
continues perfecting the device, including the addition of individual 
finger movement. Hailey's current Flexy-Hand 2 is the fourth version 
from the university. The technology fits her palm, connecting the 
fingers to her wrist, ultimately giving her control of her hand's 
grasping motion.
  Hailey has now had two unique opportunities to show off her 
prosthetic hand, both throwing out the first pitch at a UNLV baseball 
game in March and at a Baltimore Orioles game in August. Hailey's 
mother contacted the Orioles in pursuit of making her child's dreams a 
reality, asking them for a meet-up. In response, the team invited 
Hailey and her family to a game and allowed Hailey to throw the opening 
pitch. Before hitting the field, Hailey had the opportunity to meet 
Manny Machado and have her hand autographed.
  I would like to congratulate Hailey on her participation in these 
unforgettable experiences and on an excellent first pitch. She is truly 
a shining example of positivity within the Las Vegas community.
  I would also like to recognize UNLV's Howard R. Hughes College of 
Engineering and Brendan O'Toole for their hard work and dedication to 
improving the lives of others. This is an inspiring story and should 
stand as an example to the Nevada family. The team continues its work 
not only by fine tuning the Flexy-Hand 2 but also by connecting with 
other universities to raise awareness about the technology. I ask my 
colleagues to join me and all Nevadans in congratulating this 
incredible engineering department for its selfless work in helping a 
fellow Nevadan. I wish both the university and Hailey luck in all of 
their future endeavors.

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