[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 157 (Monday, September 24, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1282]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





          HONORING EMMA HARTLEY, GULF COAST HEART WALK WARRIOR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 24, 2018

  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor an impressive Gulf Coast 
philanthropist, Miss Emma Hartley of Gulfport, Mississippi.
  My district is nicknamed ``Mississippi's Fighting Fourth,'' earned 
for Mississippi's spirit and the residents who call her ``home.'' Most 
Mississippians have a warrior spirit, a tenacity, a willingness to do 
whatever it takes to live and nurture each other with compassion and 
intentional care. These qualities embody one of Mississippi's youngest 
and most determined warriors--ten-year-old Emma Hartley.
  Emma was born August 2, 2008, missing a heart valve. Less than 24 
hours after her birth, Emma underwent the first of what would become 
many surgeries. Perhaps it was an innate fighting spirit and a purpose 
to persevere for the sake of loving others that brought Emma and her 
heart safely through that first critical surgery. Perhaps she knew then 
that she would need to grow strong and develop a voice to encourage 
others to face tough battles with a smile. Perhaps it is simply that 
God has big plans for this little girl. What is known is that 
Mississippi's Gulf Coast is blessed by Emma's heart, beating now for 
over 10 years, and Emma's desire to make a difference in the lives of 
those facing similar health challenges.
  Emma has outlived the expectations of many of her doctors, and she 
will soon undergo her fifth surgery. Before age 18, she is likely to 
face several more; but, she endures each procedure with courage and 
grace. From an early age, Emma participated with her mom, Lisa 
Northrup, in fundraising efforts such as Rock Your Scar, the March of 
Dimes, Mended Little Hearts, and the Heart Walk for the American Heart 
Association. Now, with the support of family, friends, and her church, 
Emma champions her own efforts, working hard to raise funds, give 
speeches, and boost awareness of these causes in her local communities.
  Crafting and creating artwork, two of Emma's hobbies, are 
incorporated into her philanthropic efforts, too. For one of her 
fundraisers this year Emma sold handcrafted wood signs, some of which 
were ordered from far away. Also, Emma's artwork has been reproduced in 
awards given to the top Heart Walk high achievers.
  This year's Gulf Coast Heart Walk was on September 22. Emma offered 
the opening prayer to start the event. Mississippi is fortunate to have 
such a brave, talented, ambitious, and inspiring warrior, like Emma 
Hartley.

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