Discussion · House of Representatives
Chrissy Houlahan Democrat
“I am honoring Jack Perme, a man from my district who died at age 28 from a brain disease. He rode thousands of miles on a special bike to raise money and help other people with the same illness.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my constituent Jack Perme. I first met Jack several years ago in Westchester, where he was volunteering to help bring clean water to people in need, and that generosity would come to define his life. Jack began experiencing symptoms of spinocerebellar ataxia as a child. This progressive neurodegenerative disease impaired his coordination, his balance, his speech, and his ability to swallow. It ultimately took his life at just 28 years old. As the ataxia progressed, Jack had to give up driving and the many hobbies that he loved, including blacksmithing, woodworking, and 3D modeling. Yet, when Jack discovered that he could ride a recumbent bike, he regained a sense of freedom and independence. He immediately set out to share it. In 2024, Jack founded Moving Forward for Ataxia. He rode thousands of miles, raised more than $55,000, and provided 17 recumbent bikes to people across the country. My heart is with Jack’s parents, Monica and David; his stepmother, Leslie; his siblings, Grant and Ricky; and everyone who loved him and was touched by his bravery and his generosity. Jack’s message to all of us was very simple: Build connections, be kind, and whatever struggle you face, keep moving forward. That is exactly what his legacy will help others to do.”
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my constituent Jack Perme. I first met Jack several years ago in Westchester, where he was volunteering to help bring clean water to people in need, and that generosity would come to define his life. Jack began experiencing symptoms of spinocerebellar ataxia as a child. This progressive neurodegenerative disease impaired his coordination, his balance, his speech, and his ability to swallow. It ultimately took his life at just 28 years old. As the ataxia progressed, Jack had to give up driving and the many hobbies that he loved, including blacksmithing, woodworking, and 3D modeling. Yet, when Jack discovered that he could ride a recumbent bike, he regained a sense of freedom and independence. He immediately set out to share it. In 2024, Jack founded Moving Forward for Ataxia. He rode thousands of miles, raised more than $55,000, and provided 17 recumbent bikes to people across the country. My heart is with Jack’s parents, Monica and David; his stepmother, Leslie; his siblings, Grant and Ricky; and everyone who loved him and was touched by his bravery and his generosity. Jack’s message to all of us was very simple: Build connections, be kind, and whatever struggle you face, keep moving forward. That is exactly what his legacy will help others to do.