[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 97 (Friday, July 22, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                 TRIBUTE TO FRANCIS LIZ THOMPSON-WALTON

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 22, 1994

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
and admirable contributions of Ms. Francis Liz Thompson-Walton, to her 
church, the community, Jersey City State College, the college 
community, and the State of New Jersey.
  I would like to pay tribute to Ms. Thompson-Walton for her many 
accomplishments. She has distinguished herself by her service to her 
community and her Nation. Ms. Thompson-Walton excelled in her 
undergraduate and post graduate academic career at Jersey City State 
College, by graduating with honors. She completed a 4-year program in 
only 2\1/2\ years, quite an accomplishment.
  Ms. Thompson-Walton became a public servant for the people. Time and 
again, she has demonstrated her dedication to helping those less 
fortunate. Her sincerity, integrity, and wisdom soon became widely 
recognized and admired. She is especially known for founding the Action 
for Sickle Cell Anemia, Inc. of Hudson County. This organization is 
designed to promote awareness of the disease. Ms. Thompson-Walton 
generously took her vacation time to visit local schools and agencies 
where she made films and gave lecture presentations about sickle cell. 
In addition, she founded other establishments and programs that grant 
funding for research on the disease.
  Ms. Thompson-Walton was appalled about the myths surrounding the 
sickle cell disease and the lack of information available to persons 
wanting to know about the disease. As a result, she met with Dr. 
William G. Wilkerson, and other interested parties in order to sort out 
the facts about the disease. A concerned group of laymen and medical 
persons became the nucleus for the organization known as Action for 
Sickle Cell Anemia, Inc. of Hudson County. Ms. Thompson was elected 
president in 1971 and each year thereafter, until she resigned in 1994 
for health reasons.
  Ms. Thompson-Walton is a great leader. She has sought to educate the 
community about sickle cell anemia through her many activities. She 
established the Pre-Mother's Day Dinner--Sojourner Truth Award, the 
Pre-Father's Day Breakfast--Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Award, the J. 
Randolph Johnson M.D. Research Fund, The Reginald O. Coleman, M.D. 
Medical Scholarship Fund, and the Francis Liz Thompson-Walton Education 
Scholarship Fund. Her dedication, demonstrated by establishing these 
awards and funds, is exemplary.
  To summarize, Ms. Thompson-Walton has touched the lives of many and 
has improved the quality of those lives. The awards she has received to 
date are not enough to express the community's gratitude. I'm proud to 
have the opportunity to recognize Ms. Francis Liz Thompson-Walton 
before the House, and I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking her 
for her service to the community and commending her for her 
achievements.

                          ____________________