[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING KELLI MAHER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2018

  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the selfless action 
of my constituent, Kelli Maher, of LaFayette. Kelli is an extraordinary 
woman, who donated her kidney to child in need.
   After learning she was unable to donate a kidney to a friend in 
need, Kelli Maher decided to volunteer her kidney for someone else. For 
8-year-old Cecilia Brown from Ilion, Kelli Maher's transplant was the 
ultimate Christmas present. For her parents, it was a Christmas 
miracle. Kelli's compassion saved Cecilia's life.
   Research shows that while most New Yorkers support organ donation, 
only 28 percent of New York's eligible population is enrolled as an 
organ donor.
   I'm proud to honor Kelli today. Her act of kindness made a real 
difference, and changed a young girl and her family's lives forever.

                          ____________________