[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 110 (Friday, July 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1066]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF DEREK AND DYLAN THOMSON FOR THEIR EFFORTS ON THE CONNOLLY 
                               TOUGH FUND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANN M. KUSTER

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 8, 2016

  Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Derek and 
Dylan Thomson, both of whom are New Hampshire residents who have 
committed themselves to cycling across the United States to raise 
awareness and funds for the Connolly Tough Fund. The Thomson brothers 
have dedicated themselves to biking from San Francisco, California to 
Seabrook, New Hampshire, a 4,500 trek in order to raise awareness for 
ALS as well as funds for their former principal, Gene Connolly, who was 
recently diagnosed with the disease. It is with great pride and respect 
that I join others in congratulating and thanking them for their 
tremendous efforts.
  The Connolly Tough Fund was started in September 2014 to help Gene 
Connolly's family with expenses and have since risen over $85,000. 
Derek and Dylan Thomson hoped to raise an additional $20,000 through 
fundraising efforts throughout their bike ride. At this time, they have 
risen over $14,000.
  The Connolly Tough Fund has transferred their focus to supporting a 
scholarship fund in Gene's name. This decision follows Mr. Connolly's 
decision to retire from Concord High School. This retirement ends Mr. 
Connolly's 38-year public school career in New Hampshire, serving 
students like the Thomson brothers selflessly and tirelessly. While the 
fund has transferred its attention, the Thomson brothers are committing 
themselves to aiding Mr. Connolly, directly, through their fundraising 
program.
  Derek and Dylan's journey is a personal and selfless act. Gene 
Connolly aided Derek in finding his passion for filmmaking and mentored 
him through his college experience at both Keene State College and 
Emerson University. For this, Derek is determined to ``pay back 
Connolly for his generosity and inspiration.'' Derek has created films 
for Mr. Connolly and his family and became inspired to help monetarily, 
with his brother, through this bike riding effort.
  Dylan, also a recent graduate, is completing this ride before heading 
to University of New Hampshire this fall. The brothers started their 
cross-country trek on May 21st and hope to finish by mid-July. They 
should be commended for their tenacity and commitment.
  Derek and Dylan Thomson have been tireless in their commitment to the 
Connolly Tough Fund and have improved the Connolly family's life 
tremendously. Their work, both in Concord and on their bikes have 
helped Gene Connolly and his family throughout this transformative 
experience. As Mr. Connolly stated in a film, made by Derek, these 
brothers are helping ``to the best of their ability.'' Derek and Dylan 
Thomson are role models for all of us and I applaud them for their 
efforts.

                          ____________________