[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23399]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO PAYDEN BELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to pay tribute to a 
young man from my district. Payden Bell of Bayfield, Colorado was the 
victim of a terrible accident earlier this summer and has shown an 
amazing level of courage by persevering in the face of difficult odds. 
As he continues on his path toward recovery, I am honored to recognize 
Payden before this body of Congress.
  Payden was working with the family mule when something apparently 
spooked the animal and it took off running. In the process, a rope got 
tangled around Payden's feet, dragging him for over a half-mile. 
Suffering from life-threatening abrasions and gashes to his body and 
head, Payden was released from the hospital after 18 days and is 
expected to make a full recovery.
  One can only imagine the pain and suffering Payden experienced. Many 
adults would not have the will power to overcome the agony of such an 
injury, yet this young boy has recovered so rapidly that his family 
believes it is nothing short of a miracle. Payden had skin grafts, 
stitches and was even placed in an antibiotic jacket to help him heal. 
Less than three weeks later, his wounds were largely healed.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge Payden's triumphant recovery and 
his courageous spirit throughout this ordeal. Payden's accident was 
tragic, and his determination has been remarkable. I would like to wish 
this young man a continued recovery and all the best in the future.

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