[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 184 (Thursday, December 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF SONAL SHAH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LEONARD LANCE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 17, 2015

  Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Sonal 
Shah of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, who peacefully passed away in 
November after a courageous fight against Amyotrophic Lateral 
Sclerosis. Her life and advocacy were an inspiration. Undeterred by her 
diagnosis, Sonal lived every day to the fullest and her personal story 
was a profile in courage.
  I was privileged to know Sonal through her work on raising awareness 
about ALS and her fight for a cure. She would come to Washington to 
have meetings on Capitol Hill where she would tell her story, share the 
latest research and inform policy makers of what she and the ALS 
community needed in funding for public research and to spur private 
investment. It was during that time I came to know her wonderful 
family, including her husband and daughter, who have always been by her 
side.
  Sonal worked tirelessly. She passionately made her case and I was 
proud to work with her on legislation that will make a positive 
difference in the lives of many. And that was what was so remarkable 
about Sonal's fight. Even the most groundbreaking of discoveries would 
likely have come too late to assist Sonal in her own struggle but she 
remained committed against the scourge of this disease so that others 
might have hope. She was a hero in the ALS community and the turnout of 
love and support at awareness events, at the celebration of her 
heartfelt book and at laps around the Somerset ball field demonstrated 
people were compelled by her story.
  The fight against this terrible disease was made stronger by having 
Sonal lead it. She will be missed greatly. I know I will work in 
Washington with renewed vigor for this cause and will always remember 
Sonal's strength as we continue to work against ALS.
  While we have lost a beloved wife, mother, writer, advocate and 
friend, let us remember her spirit and perseverance in our own personal 
struggles and let her determination forever be a source of strength for 
us all.

                          ____________________