MUSTO GUEST SPEAKER INSPIRES SENATE

            HARRISBURG, November 15 - Stephanie Jallen, a resident of Wyoming and guest of state Sen. Ray Musto (D-Luzerne), addressed the Pennsylvania Senate on Tuesday where she shared a story of courage, determination, and triumph.

Due to a rare birth defect, now 11-year-old Stephanie was born with an underdeveloped left arm and had her left leg amputated when she was an infant.

“Overcoming all of these obstacles, Stephanie is an accomplished soccer player, dancer, and skier,” Musto said. “She is upbeat, positive, and inspirational to everyone she encounters.” 

Stephanie is one of Sen. Musto’s most driven constituents.

“Stephanie, at 11-years old, has shown more courage and determination than many show in a lifetime,” Musto said.  “She is an inspiration to us all and her phenomenal journey to help those affected by the same disabilities has only just begun.”

A talented skier, Stephanie recently took a trip to Colorado where she encountered US Marine amputees back from the Iraq War.  The Marines thought that her story was powerful.

“I told them they would overcome this challenge as long as they believe in themselves and kept going,” Stephanie said.  “Hard knocks can put you down, but they cannot keep you down unless you let them.”

Stephanie Jallen is currently focusing all of her energy on making the Paralympics as a skier. Several fundraisers have been set up in her town to help afford the costs associated with making the team.

“Stephanie vowed that one day she will come back to the Senate floor with a medal from the Paralympics,” Musto said.  “I wish her the best of luck in her endeavors and hope she fulfills her dreams of making the team.”

# # #