[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 97 (Wednesday, June 14, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. DIXIE MELILLO

                                 ______


                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 1995
  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I want to highlight the accomplishments of 
Dr. Dixie Melillo, a distinguished physician who has selflessly helped 
women with breast cancer in southeast Texas. In fact. Dr. Melillo is a 
wonderful healer for both the families and the patients with breast 
cancer. Dr. Melillo provides the latest medical treatments as well as 
emotional support for her patients. Every patient receives her home 
phone number so they can contact her at any time and discuss their 
case. Dr. Melillo is a good example of an extraordinary woman and 
professional who gives her time and effort to her community.
  Dr. Melillo founded The Rose, a nonprofit organization for breast 
cancer screening. The Rose provides mammograms below cost or at no cost 
to women who otherwise would not receive these screenings. With these 
screenings, women have a much better chance of survival and receive 
appropriate medical treatment before their tumors have spread. As of 
December 1994, The Rose has provided low-cost mammograms to over 45,000 
women, including 4,700 sponsored patients. In addition, The Rose is 
located in three locations so it is convenient for women to schedule 
their appointments.
  Dr. Melillo is a tireless volunteer for The Rose, and serves as its 
medical director. In her capacity as medical director, Dr. Melillo has 
organized five different breast cancer support groups, and regularly 
attends each of these meetings. Her most recent accomplishment was to 
organize a metastatic support group for patients with a recurrence. 
Patients, spouses, and families all join in these important gatherings. 
Last year, Dr. Melillo consulted with more than 300 women.
  In many cases, she will treat patients who cannot afford followup 
care, at no cost. She has never turned down an opportunity to help her 
fellow woman. Roughly 20 percent of her practice has been dedicated to 
charity care.
  Dr. Melillo is a well recognized and dedicated physician. Dr. Melillo 
completed her medical studies at the University of Texas Medical Branch 
in Galveston, TX. A general surgeon in private practice in Pasadena, 
Dr. Melillo currently serves as the chairperson of the Southeast Harris 
County Task Force of the American Cancer Society. In 1986 she served as 
the Chairman of The Department of Surgery at Bayshore Medical Center.
  Dr. Melillo works hard for her community. She currently serves on the 
board of directors at Texas Commerce Bank, Pasadena Branch. Since 1993, 
Dr. Melillo has served on the board of directors at Bayshore Medical 
Center, where she still practices. From 1986 to 1990, Dr. Melillo 
served as the chairman of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, Medical 
Services Committee. In addition, Dr. Melillo has served as the 
alternative delegate for the Texas Medical Association. In 1988, Dr. 
Melillo received the Mayor's Volunteer of the Year Award in the health 
category for her dedicated service to the Houston community.


                          ____________________