[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 13697]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                         TRIBUTE TO JOEL YEATON

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to Joel Yeaton of Exeter, NH for his outstanding volunteer 
service. Joel received the ``Prudential Spirit of Community 
Inspiration'' Award, given to those who are significant contributors to 
their community in the face of enormous personal challenges.
  As a volunteer, Joel created the ``Help Them Heal'' fund to support 
spinal chord research and facility improvement at the Children's 
Hospital in Boston. He has raised over $10,000, a figure which was more 
than double his original goal.
  The reasons Joel's accomplishments are so extraordinary is he too 
suffers from Curvature of the spine. Instead of focusing on his own 
problems, Joel is consumed with making spinal surgery and extended 
stays at the Boston Children's Hospital easier for others, especially 
the younger patients. His concern for people suffering from spinal 
problems similar to his has led him to establish the ``Help Them Heal'' 
fund.
  The money Joel's fund has raised will be used for research on 
improved spinal surgical techniques. The funds will also be used to 
purchase a computer, games, and educational materials for the patients 
at the hospital.
  I commend Joel for his commitment and dedication. He is an 
inspirational young man. I am proud to represent him in the U.S. 
Senate.

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