[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 7]
[House]
[Page 10285]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MICHAEL JAMES SULLIVAN

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart 
that I rise today to celebrate the life of Michael James Sullivan and 
offer my condolences to his friends and family. Michael passed away on 
June 14, 2015, after an 11-year battle against ALS, also known as Lou 
Gehrig's disease.
  When Michael was diagnosed with ALS in 2004, he was determined not to 
let the disease control his life. He found hope in his family, friends, 
and faith. This hope encouraged him to become an advocate for the 
30,000 other Americans who live with ALS.
  Mike encouraged others and their families to be strong and resilient 
in the face of illness. His upbeat and optimistic personality was a 
constant reminder to take advantage of every opportunity that life 
hands us. He was a frequent visitor to my office. He was a tireless 
self-advocate who remained upbeat, compassionate, and personable--even 
in the face of a horribly debilitating disease.
  Mr. Speaker, we can all learn from Michael Sullivan's exemplary 
service, selflessness, and love. He will be greatly missed. His friends 
and family are blessed to have known such an honorable man. In the 
words of Michael: ``One day together, we can create a world without 
ALS.''

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