[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 5, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S5788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL RACE FOR THE CURE

  Mr. FORD. Mr. President, first, let me thank all my colleagues that 
have been on the floor this morning making statements relating to the 
Race for the Cure and the effort that is being made in that interest in 
eradication of breast cancer. I also thank the Chair today for his work 
this morning and his support. We are all very grateful.
  Mr. President, as many may know, last year a loyal and trusted member 
of my State, Martha Maloney, passed away after a long battle with 
cancer. Martha had been with my office for 18 years, so you will 
understand when I say she was like part of the family to me. Over the 
years, I had the privilege to see her develop her legislative skills, 
having a hand in numerous historic legislative achievements and working 
on airport projects all across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
  Martha's bravery in fighting breast cancer inspired a 200-member team 
to participate in last year's National Race for the Cure on behalf of 
breast cancer. They ran and walked the 5K's because they were ``doing 
it for Martha.'' She was able to be there. She was able to see their 
effort and was very pleased.
  Now, Mr. President, this year's race, to be held on June 15, will be 
dedicated in her honor. That is why I stand here today. Martha had long 
been a strong supporter of breast cancer research, and proceeds from 
the National Race for the Cure will go to the Susan G. Komen 
Foundation, the Nation's largest private funder of breast cancer 
research, education, screening, and treatment.
  Over 26,000 participants and sponsors in last year's event raised 
over $650,000 that went to local hospitals and health care 
organizations. Preliminary figures show this year's run will double, if 
not triple, that amount. Already, $1.4 million has been collected or 
pledged. I, like many with me in this Chamber today, think this is very 
significant. For that reason, we introduced a resolution designating 
June 15, 1996, as ``National Race for the Cure Day.''
  With over 35,000 runners, walkers, even in-line skaters expected, 
this year's race will be a resounding success. Many people will 
contribute to the success of the National Race for the Cure. I would be 
remiss if I did not tip my hat to the U.S. Postal Service for its 
cooperation in releasing 100 million breast cancer stamps nationwide on 
June 15. The pink ribbon on the new stamp, and the cheers of all those 
who line the Race for the Cure course, will not only pay tribute to the 
many who silently suffered in the past, but also serve as a promise to 
stand firmly committed to those battling the disease today and to 
commend all of our resources so there might be no casualties in the 
future.
  Along with the breast cancer stamp, the Postal Service will launch a 
nationwide effort to make post offices in every community centers of 
information and understanding about this disease. Brochures and 
videotapes explaining the importance of self-examination and annual 
mammograms will be on hand in every post office across this great land. 
Postal employees will be provided with facts about breast cancer they 
can share nationwide.
  I also would be remiss if I did not point out that the Commonwealth 
will host its first Race for the Cure on October 26. Mr. President, 
1,000 Kentuckians are expected to make that run, joining 340,000 
participants in 64 other cities across the country.
  Mr. President, I attended the State convention of the postmasters in 
Kentucky just this past Monday. They have an individual that is in 
charge of the overall operation. I think this is true in most States. 
Hopefully, there will be more than just one race in Kentucky. We are 
hoping for 35 to 40. If other States will do similar events, I can 
almost feel a tidal wave coming in the amount of money that can be put 
into research and hopefully expedite the day that the answer to this 
devastating cancer can be found.
  I want to encourage my colleagues and their staff to be one of those 
walkers or runners to support this worthy cause in any way they can. 
There is a mother or a daughter or sister who will be very thankful you 
did.

                          ____________________