[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  SPECIAL PEOPLE PROGRAM OF IBPOE OF W

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN N. RIVERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 1997

  Ms. RIVERS. Mr. Speaker, for the record, I would like to recognize 
the Special People Program of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order 
of the Elks of the World [IBPOE of W]. For the past 10 years, this 
program has recognized young persons with physical or mental challenges 
at the Annual Convention of the Elks Fraternity. This extraordinary 
program, fueled by the hard work of the IBPOE of W, recognizes the 
individual abilities and contributions of community citizens with 
special needs.
  The Special People Program selects one youth as the annual Poster 
Child. Each year financial benefits, raised from donations and raffles, 
are given to this child and his family. In addition, the program 
continues its commitment to past Poster Children through annual 
donations.
  This year's Poster Child is Marquise Taylor of Lexington, KY. 
Fifteen-month-old Marquise was born with a severe congenital heart 
defect as well as Down's Syndrome. In this particular type of heart 
defect, the separation between his cardiac chambers were not fully 
developed, resulting in unstable blood flow. Marquise underwent surgery 
at the age of 5 months to correct this defect and his prognosis is 
excellent. Yet Marquise still lives with Down's Syndrome, an incurable 
condition that will continue to challenge him as he grows.
  I would like to congratulate the IBPOE of W for their outstanding 
community service and dedication to supporting citizens with special 
needs. I wish Marquise and his parents, Carlos and Roxie Taylor, all 
the best for the future.

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