[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 6 (Wednesday, February 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E91-E92]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING RENEE NOLAN AND FRIENDS

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 1998

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a group of 
remarkable young women in the 11th District of New Jersey and to share 
with my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives a story of 
selflessness and friendship.

[[Page E92]]

  In September 1996, Renee Nolan, a college sophomore at Seton Hall 
University, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Radiation and 
chemotherapy treatments forced her to leave college and an experimental 
treatment left her paralyzed on her right side.
  Despite her illness and many setbacks, this courageous woman has 
continued her valiant fight, regaining some movement in her right hand 
and learning to walk again. Renee received tremendous support from 
friends that deserve recognition.
  Daniela Mastria, Beth Reynolds, Jennifer Franke, Jennifer Kelleher, 
and Alexis Smith of Boonton, New Jersey, and Donna Polizzi and Domenica 
``Mimma'' Avena of Lincoln Park, New Jersey, have all been friends with 
Renee since their grade and high school days. When Renee's friends 
learned of her devastating illness, they began one of the most touching 
and determined crusades that I have ever known.
  Immediately, Renee's friends made and randomly passed out fliers, set 
up a bank account, and rented a post office box to receive donations. 
Then, they sponsored a dinner dance to honor Renee and to raise 
additional money to help defray Renee's growing medical expenses.
  Since June of 1997, this amazing group has raised approximately 
$32,000 for their friend and her family. Of even greater importance to 
Renee, these devoted friends have provided continual and invaluable 
moral and emotional support. When Renee is well enough, they plan 
outings. When she is not, they are with her at home with ice cream, 
games and smiles to help her and her family keep their spirits up. When 
Renee is most ill, they help nurse her.
  This group of friends, all college students, have visited Renee daily 
at home or in the hospital, cooked for her family, and taken Renee back 
to Boonton High School, where she was once co-captain of the 
cheerleading squad. They have given selflessly of themselves, by any 
standard, often giving up their college and social activities to be 
available for Renee and her family.
  It is heartwarming to see the selfless dedication with which these 
women have acted for their friend. In fact, as a result of her 
experience with Renee, one of the young women has changed her college 
major to nursing, so that she can better continue her legacy of caring.
  These young women were recently honored by the New Jersey State 
Assembly and by Governor Christine Todd Whitman. This proved to be an 
especially moving and encouraging experience for Renee and her family.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that all of my colleagues in the House join me in 
congratulating and thanking these exceptional women and friends, and 
that you will also join me in wishing them, Renee and her family well.

                          ____________________