[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21648]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE ``NO LIMITS'' AWARD WINNERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 2008

  Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the winners of 
the ``No Limits'' awards from the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital 
of Altoona. HealthSouth has presented these rehabilitation awards to 
members of their community who have remained steadfast in overcoming an 
illness or disability. This year I congratulate: Trudy White, winner of 
the ``No Limits'' Advocate Award and Dustin Dillon and Franklin Foster, 
winners of the ``No Limits'' Personal Achievement Awards.
  In March 2007, Trudy White was admitted to the Altoona Hospital for 
shortness of breath with both respiratory and congestive heart failure 
and was placed on a ventilator for several days. Trudy came to 
HealthSouth in May 2007 and was then transferred to Johnstown Select 
Specialty Hospital after being diagnosed with critical illness 
myopathy. Trudy was placed on a ventilator for several weeks while also 
battling diabetes. Trudy went through an extremely exhausting period 
but was able to overcome her illness. Trudy is currently in the 
Wellness Program and even volunteers her time with patient charts and 
at a lunchtime group. While Trudy's life was completely interrupted by 
her illness, she was able to overcome each challenge with an embracing 
smile, a warm heart, and a strong mind. While still working to fight 
against her illness, Trudy is an active mother and grandmother 
attending her grandson's baseball games and hosting pizza parties at 
``Trudy's Place.''
  Dustin Dillon is the recipient of the ``No Limits'' Personal 
Achievement Award. Dustin was nominated for this award by his father. 
Dustin was born 10 weeks premature and had a bleed on his brain 
requiring a shunt when he was only 2 months old. While going to school 
and attending classes, Dustin would suffer from headaches and stomach 
problems. As a result, Dustin was taken to the hospital for a CAT scan 
and then transferred to another hospital. Dustin suffered a stroke 
while awaiting diagnosis and went into a coma. The doctors told 
Dustin's parents that his chance for recovery was less than 5 percent. 
Dustin's father, Gary, would sit and talk with his son in the evenings 
and encourage him to respond. Dustin was able to move his hands and 
feet at his father's request. After an examination, Dustin was 
transferred to HealthSouth Altoona. After spending a month there, 
Dustin was able to talk, sit up, eat regular foods, and wash and dress 
himself. Dustin has returned to school and continues his therapy as an 
outpatient. Thanks to Dustin's hard work and the help of his therapist 
at HealthSouth, Dustin was able to return to school at West Branch 
Senior High School.
  Franklin Foster is also a recipient of the ``No Limits'' Personal 
Achievement Award. Frank has suffered four strokes since 2004 and has 
been a patient of HealthSouth ever since. The strokes have severely 
impaired Frank's speech and limited his ability to swallow. Though it 
is difficult to understand Frank's speech, he continues to use his 
speech clarity strategies he has learned in therapy. Frank has 
incredible patience and never appears to be frustrated. Frank loves to 
tell jokes, and he works hard so others can appreciate and comprehend 
his humor. Frank's cheerfulness has inspired many on staff at 
HealthSouth, and he continues to work to overcome his disability.
  Congratulations to Trudy, Dustin and Franklin. Their accomplishments 
are a testament that with hard work, persistence, and a big heart, we 
can overcome any hardship. I congratulate each of them on their 
perseverance, and I wish them the best as they continue to overcome 
their illnesses and disabilities while setting an example for the rest 
of the community.

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