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Comments
by Congressman Edward J. Markey, 7th District
Massachusetts to the US House of Representatives, 11/02/95
TRIBUTE TO TRAVIS ROY -- HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY
(Extension of Remarks - November 02, 1995)
HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY
in the House of Representatives
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1995
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Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize
the strength, courage, and determination of
Travis Roy, a freshman player for
Boston University's world-class hockey team. On October 20, 1995, Travis was
paralyzed from the neck down while playing in his first collegiate hockey
game.
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Born on April 17, 1975, Travis spent his childhood
in Yarmouth, ME, a closely-knit town of 6,000 people. He was designated an
all-State player at Yarmouth Academy, where as a freshman he told his father
that he dreamed of playing Division I hockey. He played his junior and senior
years at Tabor Academy, where he was a New England All-Select pick both years.
A highly recruited forward, Travis landed one of only six coveted spots on the
defending national champion Boston University hockey team.
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Less than 2 weeks ago, 11 seconds into his first
shift as a BU Terrier, Travis fell head first into the boards, fracturing a
vertebrae in his neck. He was quickly attended to by trainers, doctors, and
his father, Lee. Even during the most terrifying moment of his life, Travis
focused on achieving his goal of playing Division I college hockey. While
lying on the ice, motionless and without sensation, Travis looked to his
father and said, `I made it'.
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Travis has made a career out of challenging the
odds. Now, with his parents Lee and Brenda Roy by his side, Travis faces the
biggest challenge of his life. While doctors predict a difficult road ahead, I
have faith that Travis can overcome the odds this time as he has done so
successfully in the past. With the support of his family and friends, I know
that Travis is going to `make it'.
Entered into the Congressional Record November 2,
1995
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