[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO POINSATTE MOTORS AND FORT WAYNE, IN, FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN 
                    THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER

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                          HON. MARK E. SOUDER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 1997

  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Poinsatte Motors of 
Fort Wayne, IN, and the city of Fort Wayne itself for their outstanding 
local effort in the fight against breast cancer.
  On July 9, 1997, Poinsatte Motors served as the Fort Wayne host for 
the Drive for the Cure sponsored by BMW and the Susan G. Komen Breast 
Cancer Foundation, the Nation's largest private funder of research 
focused solely on breast cancer. The citizens of Fort Wayne and the 
surrounding area were invited to test drive any 1997 BMW. In return, 
for each mile driven, BMW donated $1 to the Komen Foundation with the 
goal of raising $1 million nationwide to advance breast cancer 
research, education, screening, and treatment.
  The community's response was overwhelming. Local businesses donated 
$15,000 in TV and radio advertising, rentals, food and beverages, and 
other supplies. With 284 test drives totaling almost 4,000 miles, 
Poinsatte Motor's Fort Wayne event ranks as the largest single-day 
event for Drive for the Cure to date. In fact, more than 360 people 
registered for the event--more test drives than could be accommodated 
in one day. Since July 9, remaining registrants, who have until 
December 1 to complete their test drives, have driven over 200 miles 
that will count toward Drive for the Cure's $1 million goal.
  Mr. Speaker, it is estimated that over 180,000 women will be 
diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 44,000 will die of the 
disease, this year. If this horrible disease were detected and treated 
in its earliest stage, the mortality rate would decrease by 30 percent. 
In addition to raising much-needed funds for breast cancer research, 
Poinsatte Motors has contributed immensely to increasing awareness of 
the disease and the benefits of early detection. The people of Fort 
Wayne are well known for their willingness to assist others in need and 
to lend their support to a worthy cause. I am honored to represent 
these fine citizens, and I applaud them for their extraordinary 
accomplishment.
                               

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