[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9771]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    SPENCER WEST SUMMIT ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. CYNTHIA M. LUMMIS

                               of wyoming

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 19, 2013

  Mrs. LUMMIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the anniversary 
of Spencer West's summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. A man of many talents: 
relentless climber, accomplished speaker, motivating author, thriving 
philanthropist and activist. This Wyoming native from Rock Springs is a 
man who is inspiring the world to follow in his path and redefine 
possible.
   ``Redefining Possible'' is the phrase that West has chosen to embody 
his life. At age of 5, he was diagnosed with sacral agenesis, a genetic 
disorder which led to the amputation of both his legs. The 32 years old 
man today is an inspiration, proving no handicap can hold you back from 
changing the world.
   Just one year ago, West climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the 
highest peak in Africa on his hands and in his wheelchair. West's climb 
was dedicated to the fundraising campaign for Free the Children's 
sustainable water initiative, which raised more than half a million 
dollars committed to create clean water programs in Kenya. He now 
shares with audiences the struggles he has overcome. His motivational 
speeches have reached over 150,000 people where he captures audiences 
with his charismatic and dynamic personality.
   His powerful message continued to reach a larger audience when West 
teamed up with Nelly Furtado in her lyrical video for her single titled 
Spirit Indestructible. Furtado's video chronicles West's astonishing 
journey during his week-long climb to the summit of one of the world's 
most famous mountains.
   Since his climb, West has not slowed down in his efforts to raise 
awareness and additional funds for the clean water project in Kenya. He 
recently finished a 300 kilometer trek between Edmonton and Calgary in 
Alberta, Canada. He completed the journey in 11 days, undertaking 
nearly an entire marathon every day.
   Mr. Speaker, I hope that my colleagues will join me in 
congratulating Spencer West for his inspiring achievements for powerful 
social change. Through his determined work and optimism, he has 
demonstrated that the impossible is indeed possible.

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