[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 5, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        INTRODUCTION OF EASTERSEALS 100TH ANNIVERSARY RESOLUTION

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2019

  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to introduce today a 
resolution honoring the 100th anniversary of the Easterseals. On April 
22, 2019, the Easterseals will celebrate 100 years as America's first 
non-profit organization to serve individuals with disabilities and 
other special needs.
  Once only focused on serving children with special needs, Easterseals 
expanded its mission in the 1940s to serve children and adults. For 
decades now, their innovative services opened the doors to assist 
seniors, veterans and individuals with autism.
  The Easterseals had a tragic beginning. In 1907, a streetcar accident 
in Elyria, Ohio, took the lives of eight people because there was no 
local hospital to treat their injuries. One of the deceased was the 18-
year-old son of Edgar F. Allen, who in his sorrow was inspired to raise 
the funds necessary to build a local hospital. 18 months later, the 
Elyria Memorial Hospital was built and opened with 32 beds.
  Eight years after that, another Elyria hospital opened for ``crippled 
children.'' On April 22, 1919, Mr. Allen organized with civic leaders 
from Elyria, Cleveland, Sandusky, and Toledo, Ohio and Detroit, 
Michigan to form the Ohio Society for Crippled Children, the original 
name of the Easterseals.
  May the festivities of this 100th anniversary year bring renewed 
faith and opportunity to those aided by Easterseal services. Through 
rehabilitation services, new and fulfilling life opportunities become 
possible.
  Let us all take inspiration in the words of founder, Edgar F. Allen: 
``Your life and mine shall be valued not by what we take . . . but by 
what we give.'' Congratulations to all associated with such an 
important organization.

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