[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 11761]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING MICHAEL CARROLL

 Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I wish to honor the remarkable 
life of a young West Virginian, Michael Carroll, who sadly lost his 
life to cancer on July 3. Although he said goodbye to family, friends 
and loved ones far too early, Michael led a tremendously accomplished 
life during his 17 years, and he truly touched the lives of so many 
with his heartfelt and inspirational efforts to help other children 
around the world battle cancer. Although we are all heartbroken about 
Michael's passing, it is a privilege to celebrate his extraordinary 
achievements.
  A Wheeling native, Michael Paul Carroll was diagnosed with leukemia 
in 2003. After 3 years of treatment, he won his battle with cancer. 
Unfortunately in 2013, after years in remission, Michael was diagnosed 
with a glioblastoma grade IV brain tumor due to the radiation from 
previous treatment.
  Yet, even though he was once again fighting for his own life, 
Michael's illness never stopped him from making a difference in the 
lives of other children suffering from cancer. While battling his brain 
tumor, Michael came up with the idea to design a stress relief toy that 
helps kids cope with cancer. The idea is that anytime young cancer 
patients feel frustrated with their treatment or have a bad day, they 
can exert their anger into these toys. After some thought and help from 
the community, he created Michael's Meanies so ``a child with cancer 
can give it back to their sickness,'' he said. Michael invented three 
beanies after the three types of childhood cancers: Terry the Terrible 
Tumor, Lily Lymphoma, and Lousy Louie Leukemia.
  Michael once said:

       I wanted to give something to the kids that they could take 
     their anger out on. I thought of making these into a stress 
     ball-like toy that the kids can squeeze hard, punch or even 
     throw them. My ultimate goal is for every child diagnosed 
     with cancer to get one during their treatment.

  Although his ultimate goal has yet to be achieved, Michael's reach 
knows no bounds and he was able to help children around the world. With 
15,000 meanies made, it is not rare to see a child holding one of 
Michael's Meanies in a children's hospital in all 50 States, Puerto 
Rico, Canada, England, Australia, and New Zealand. Through his meanies, 
Michael continues to make children's daily battle with cancer a little 
easier.
  While making a difference throughout West Virginia, the United States 
and the world, Michael also made a significant impact in his hometown 
of Wheeling. He truly touched each person he met. Michael attended 
Wheeling Park High School, and also volunteered at the Ohio Valley 
Medical Center and St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. He often visited 
children's hospitals to spread laughter and joy while meeting with 
cancer patients. Michael said, ``I take everything with humor,'' and 
wisely stated that laughter is the best medicine.
  The strength that Michael mustered every day should inspire not only 
our sick young, but his resilience and goodwill should inspire all of 
us. His legacy and influence will live on through his meanies as they 
comfort children fighting for their lives around the world. Michael, 
thank you for the gift you have left for us all.

                          ____________________