Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Shawn Friedkin, a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, whose life was cut short after a courageous battle with cancer. John Friedkin was my friend, and we were kindred spirits. At the age of 27, Shawn was in a car accident that left him paralyzed. Instead of allowing that experience to defeat him, he used it to help others overcome their own obstacles and reach their full potential. In 1997, he founded Stand Among Friends, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries, and more broadly, improving employment outcomes so that people with disabilities can live ``life without limits.'' That was Shawn's philosophy, ``a life without limits,'' and he applied it to everything he did. Whether providing assistance through Stand Among Friends, establishing a disability resource center at Florida Atlantic University, or advocating for legislation in Congress, Shawn demonstrated his unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities everywhere. Mr. Speaker, I was proud to call Shawn a friend. Although his life was cut far too short, his legacy will live on through his work and his loving family. ____________________”