[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 108 (Thursday, June 27, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E674-E675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF RANDY WALKER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LLOYD SMUCKER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 2024

  Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory 
of Mr. Randy Alan Walker of Ephrata, Pennsylvania, who passed away last 
month after a 10-year battle with ALS. Randy had an exceptional impact 
on the lives that he touched.
  Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to meet with Randy and his wife 
Lisa earlier this year, just days before Randy's passing. Randy shared 
with me his story in a letter he wrote.
  ALS is a devastating disease that takes a tremendous toll on those 
living with the disease, as well as their families and caregivers. 
Despite this disease, Randy continued to live life to the fullest. 
Following his diagnosis, he created a bucket list of all the things he 
wished to accomplish and managed to complete every item on it. In his 
own words, Randy told me his most exhilarating experience was skydiving 
with his daughter, and his fondest memory was watching his son graduate 
high school and college.
  Mr. Speaker, Randy shared with me what his life was like with ALS. In 
his letter, he said: ``You can be me for just one hour. Get comfy on 
your couch. Put your phone and remote out of reach. Standing for any 
reason is against the rules. I can't stand, so neither can you. Now for 
the hard part . . . when you get an itch--and you will . . . THERE IS 
NO SCRATCHING. If you survive the hour, kudos to you. Imagine that 24/
7. Welcome to my world.''
  I was touched by Randy's letter. And I wrote him a note following our 
meeting, reflecting on

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our meeting and sharing this--I will do all I can to help provide the 
resources necessary to fight this terrible disease.
  Randy and his wife, Lisa, were tireless champions for individuals 
affected by ALS, traveling to Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. to share 
their story and advocate for a cure. Their efforts extended beyond 
legislative halls as they supported ALS research initiatives, raised 
public awareness, and provided unwavering emotional and practical 
support to families affected by the disease. Through their dedicated 
activism, Randy and Lisa have profoundly impacted the ALS community.
  Randy graduated from Ephrata High School in 1982, where he played 
football, baseball, and was on the diving team. Following graduation, 
Randy joined the Marine Corps and served until 1985. We extend our 
gratitude to Randy for his service and dedication to our country. He 
was a loving husband to Lisa, a father to Calvin and Victoria, a 
grandfather to two, and a friend to all. Randy will be deeply missed.
  We wish those who are grieving comfort and give thanks for the 
opportunity to know Randy who positively impacted so many people during 
his 60 years.

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