[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21828]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JODIE SPRADLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before this body of Congress to pay 
tribute to a remarkable woman from my district. Jodie Spradlin of 
Steamboat Springs, Colorado has demonstrated the kind of personal 
dedication to overcoming adversity that is truly honorable. I stand 
before you to recognize her today.
  At the age of 16, a drunk driver collided with her family's van on 
the interstate and Jodie lost her leg from injuries sustained in the 
accident. Jodie's acceptance of her loss did not come easy. She was 
very self-conscious for a period of time after the amputation. However, 
in time, she was able to overcome her anxieties and begin living a more 
normal life.
  Jodie now assists others by donating her old prosthetic legs to 
victims of land mines. A new prosthetic leg costs around $15,000 and 
her contributions are the only hope for many less fortunate amputees. 
Her charitable actions provide others with an opportunity to conquer 
their own personal challenges, just as Jodie was able to do.
  Today, Jodie and her husband have three children and are living 
happily in the mountains of Colorado. Her story serves as an 
inspiration to others by illustrating the significance of focusing on 
the important aspects of life, such as children and family, and 
overcoming those things that hold us back.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to stand here today and honor Jodie 
Spradlin and her achievements before this body of Congress. Her spirit, 
self-determination and altruistic sense of community service are truly 
worthy of praise. Jodie's charitable actions demonstrate how much one 
person can improve the lives of others. I wish her all the best in the 
years to come.

                          ____________________