John Yarmuth: “It takes real heroes and real leaders to believe in the possibility of what we can do through hard work, perseverance…”

“It takes real heroes and real leaders to believe in the possibility of what we can do through hard work, perseverance, and commitment to make the world a better place. I'm proud to say that my hometown of Louisville has many of these leaders, and this week, one of them, 13-year-old Michala Riggle, was recognized nationally with the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. It's a well-deserved recognition, and I rise to applaud Michala's work with Beading to Beat Autism, which has been nothing but miraculous. Three years ago, after learning that an underfunded treatment program could help thousands of kids in Louisville with autism, like her brother Evan, Michala stepped up. She planned to enlist her friends and family to raise $200,000 by making beaded bracelets and selling them for $3 each. People told her it was impossible, but she said, It's just like a ball game. If you don't believe you can win, it's game over before you start. You gotta believe. And after 6 months, Michala had reached her goal. To date, she's raised $350,000 to help children with autism. Now, through BeadingtoBeatAutism.org, she hopes to raise $300 million to finance an autism research center in Louisville. And I don't doubt that she can accomplish that. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Members of the House to join me to salute her. I'm proud to wear her bracelets and proud that she's a resident of the Third District of Kentucky. Congratulations, Michala.”