[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 41 (Thursday, March 9, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               NATIONAL LOOK UP DAY FOR ADAM DAVID NUSZEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LEE M. ZELDIN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 9, 2017

  Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Adam David 
Nuszen, who tragically lost his life after struggling with mental 
illness and addiction.
  Adam, who grew up in my congressional district, had a bright future 
ahead of him and was taken too soon from his family and community. 
According to his mother, Linda, ``Adam was the protector of our family. 
The oldest of three, his arms were always around his siblings and his 
loyalty was surpassed by his quiet quest for justice. He marveled at 
the night sky and couldn't resist sharing his enthusiasm with his 
friends and family. He taught us about the wonder and grandeur of the 
planets, galaxies and beyond. He was a gifted musician, a poet, a 
writer, a philosopher and an inventor.''
  At 22, Adam was suddenly stricken with psychosis and diagnosed with 
schizophrenia. For ten years,he was in and out of hospitals attempting 
to balance his disease with normalcy. His illness slowly evolved into 
the dangerous and devastating world of addiction. Tragically, in 
November of 2015, Adam lost his life to an overdose while in rehab.
  While in rehab, Linda explained to me that despite his dark times, 
Adam always managed to remind his loved ones to ``look ups'' or you 
will miss all that there is in the world. Sadly, their last 
conversation before he passed, carried this same sentiment and tone. 
The words look up remain with her today as an important reminder of 
Adam's character and spirit.
  In honor of Adam David Nuszen, I would like to support Linda's 
request in declaring Adam's Birthday, March 12, National Look Up Day. 
This is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and show support for 
those struggling with addiction and those we have lost to this disease. 
As members of Congress, we must all continue to support legislation 
that addresses the rise in drug and alcohol addiction to stop the 
tragic loss of life that is devastating our communities and loved ones 
across the country.

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