[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 27, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1843]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JOANN HUFF

                                 ______


                          HON. BILL RICHARDSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 1995

  Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, as we in Washington tackle the difficult 
policy decisions associated with reforming our Nation's health care 
system, we must not forget the people who are most affected by our 
decisions, our constituents who are in need of medical care.
  One such person is JoAnn Huff of Albuquerque who is an 18-year cancer 
survivor who has worked at the local, State, and Federal level to help 
educate others about breast cancer. She was part of a team that worked 
for passage of mandated mammogram legislation. Ms. Huff has also been 
an active member of the University of New Mexico Cancer Research and 
Treatment Center and has raised thousands of dollars when she served as 
the center's Walk-A-Thon chairperson.
  We would all be a lot better off if there were more JoAnn Huffs among 
us determined to make a difference and willing to fight to overcome 
whatever obstacles are thrown their way. To better understand Ms. Huff 
and how she succeeds, I urge my colleagues to read the following 
commentary which appeared in this month's Club News, a publication of 
New Mexico Sports & Wellness.

                      Member Spotlight--JoAnn Huff

       In no better way can one describe JoAnn Huff, but as a 
     trail blazer. This accomplished and respected member of 
     Highpoint Sports & Wellness is nothing less than active. You 
     can always tell when she's around by her warm and hearty 
     laugh.
       Huff (who just turned 66) is a retired Albuquerque teacher 
     with a plethora of achievements. Her greatest feat is 
     surviving breast cancer. That traumatic victory has changed 
     and enlightened her life forever. ``After something like 
     that,'' she says, ``you know what is important and what is 
     not. I am happier than ever.''
       Swimming, a positive attitude, and a healthy lifestyle have 
     contributed to Joann's well being. ``Swimming is what 
     restored my physical health after cancer,'' she recalls. ``We 
     have never thought of physical activity for cancer like we 
     have for heart disease, but I have always believed the 
     principle is the same.''
       Joann is frequently seen swimming in one of the pools at 
     Highpoint. In addition to swimming, she has added weight 
     machines, cardio, and other forms of exercise into her 
     fitness routine. ``It is the positive and healthy atmosphere 
     that the club and its people project that I like,'' says 
     Joann.
       Joann's commitment to fitness of both mind and body has 
     improved her life. When she is not out vacationing to places 
     like Alaska, the Arctic Circle, or Australia, she is active 
     in her community by participating in events held by the 
     KIWANIS Club, the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Board, 
     and the Mayor's Open Space Advisory Board. She also competes 
     in the Senior Olympics on both a state and national level.
       Joann's main passion still lies in being an outspoken 
     advocate for breast cancer research. She says her goal is to 
     see cancer eradicated by the year 2000. She has been doing 
     everything possible to reach her goal. She has been noted as 
     a top fund raiser for research. Joann is on the Board of 
     Advisors for the UNM Cancer Research Center, and she is also 
     an active participant in the National Breast Cancer 
     Coalition's Project L.E.A.D. (Leadership, Education, 
     Advocacy, Development). Joann is more than an accomplished 
     and respect individual, she is an inspiration to all. She 
     says she feels there is nothing she cannot do, and she's 
     right!

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