[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23889]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING SUSAN FOSTER--RECIPIENT OF THE 2008 WEST REGION GREAT 
                            COMEBACKS AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 2, 2008

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Susan 
Foster on receiving this year's West Region Great Comebacks Award. This 
award recognizes the remarkable way in which Susan was able to overcome 
the physical and emotional challenges of having ulcerative colitis, a 
form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
  Susan has suffered from this disease for 15 years before having a 
life-changing permanent ileostomy. Since then, Susan has dedicated 
herself to staying physically active and traveling, making it a 
priority to not allow her disease to control her life. She has also 
worked to actively reach out to others with IBD through her time with 
the United Ostomy Associations of America visiting patients who undergo 
ostomy surgery.
  The Great Comebacks has been advocating for and inspiring those 
around the world living with IBD for the past 24 years. They have made 
it their mission to not only raise awareness for the difficulties that 
come with having IBD, but to also remove the stigma attached to having 
ostomy surgery. Organizations like the Great Comebacks support IBD 
patients and help them lead full lives in spite of the adversities they 
face.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Susan Foster for her 
energetic effort in supporting those with IBD, and her continued 
service to the community.