[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 142 (Friday, August 24, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MS. SHELLEY UNSER

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 24, 2018

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to honor Ms. Shelley Unser, who passed away last week at the age of 59. 
Shelley was one of our community's most prominent philanthropists who 
touched the lives of countless individuals with her warmth and 
generosity.
  Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Shelley moved to New Mexico in 
the 1980s and raised her children there, quickly becoming a fixture in 
the Albuquerque community. When one of her children, Cody, became 
paralyzed from Transverse Myelitis, Shelley established the Cody Unser 
First Step Foundation to fund research, public awareness campaigns, and 
other assistance for people suffering from spinal cord-related 
paralysis. One of the many ways the foundation helps people suffering 
from paralysis is by giving them access to scuba diving. A passionate 
diver herself, Shelley established Cody's Great Scuba Adventure, which 
allows paralyzed individuals to go on diving excursions as a 
therapeutic tool.
  In addition to her work with the foundation, Shelley was also an 
active member of the IndyCar community, hosting segments for various 
television networks. She also volunteered extensively with the 
Championship Auto Racing Auxiliary, a philanthropic group associated 
with the racing circuit.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to express my sincere condolences to all of 
Shelley's loved ones including her children, Al, Cody, Shannon, and 
Joey, as well as her brother, Scott. I hope they are comforted by 
cherished memories of Shelley and by the fact that so many in our 
community mourn her loss and celebrate her life with them.

                          ____________________