[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 59 (Thursday, May 2, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              NEW JERSEY RECOGNIZES LOYAL HEART AWARD DAY

                                 ______


                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 2, 1996

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, today I have the distinct honor of 
recognizing the activities of caregivers throughout the State of New 
Jersey. Sunday, May 5 marks the third annual ``Loyal Heart Award 
Celebration.'' In my home State of New Jersey, Governor Whitman has 
designated May 5 as ``Loyal Heart Award Day.''
  The Loyal Heart Award is sponsored by the Middlesex County Chapter of 
the New Jersey Coalition on Women and Disabilities. The award was 
initiated in 1994 by Elayne Hyman Risley to recognize the contributions 
made by individuals who provide care for persons with disabilities.
  Those recognized on Loyal Heart Award Day represent the wide range of 
caregivers; they are friends, relatives, nurses or assistants to a 
person with a disability. Those we honor today embody the qualities of 
faithfulness, dedication, and commitment. Their efforts are tireless 
and dependable. Ms. Risley, inspired by the quality of care she had 
received from her  daughter  Robyn,  son  Ryan  and her assistant, 
Nancy Namowicz; became determined to establish a formal day of tribute 
to caregivers. This is truly a grassroots effort; I was contacted first 
by New Jersey Assemblyman, John Wisniewski.
  The role of caregivers is varied and significant. Caregivers may 
provide personal care or help around the house or furnish 
transportation which makes possible participation in community 
programs. This care may be temporary or extend over a lifetime. 
Whatever assistance the caregiver is providing, it is of great 
importance to the individual with disabilities. But to express it most 
succinctly, I will use the words of Ms. Risley: ``Through caregivers'' 
efforts, individuals with disabilities are able to reach their fullest 
potential.''
  Many of us have a personal connection to individuals with 
disabilities. Perhaps we are one of million of people in the United 
States with a disability. Perhaps we are a family member, advocate or 
one of the very special people, a caregiver, whom we honor today. 
Individuals with disabilities and their caregivers deserve our 
acknowledgement, our support, our appreciation and our respect.
  In my own district, we are trying to reach out to individuals with 
disabilities, their families, caregivers and advocates for the purposes 
of keeping them informed about issues of importance to this exceptional 
community. I encourage my congressional colleagues to remember that 
these groups of persons need information so that they can be in the 
best position to know about issues of significance to individual with 
disabilities. I also encourage other Members of Congress to join me in 
support and recognition of the humanitarian efforts of the loyal 
hearts.
  In addition, I have sponsored or cosponsored legislation that I 
believe is of importance to individuals with disabilities and their 
families.
  Potentially, any of us could become a person with a disability. If I 
were ever to face that situation, it is my hope that I would be blessed 
by support and care equal to that provided by one of the selfless 
individuals we recognize here today.

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