[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 24 (Tuesday, March 10, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E332-E333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       COMMEMORATION OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY CANCER AWARENESS WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 10, 1998

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Childhood 
Cancer Awareness Week which will occur March 8th--March 14th in the 
County of Los Angeles. I would also like to acknowledge the American 
Cancer Fund For Children and its founder Steve Firestein for their 
tireless efforts to help children. Through their dedication and 
perseverance, they have influenced the lives of hundreds of children 
with cancer, while bringing awareness of this issue to our country as a 
whole.
  Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children in our 
country. Each year, approximately 10,000 children are diagnosed with 
this frightening illness. A cure for cancer is an important goal that 
we all hope to achieve. Until that time, important services and 
programs like the American Cancer Fund for Children play a vital role 
in the lives of those afflicted with this disease.
  The American Cancer Fund for Children has been established to provide 
financial assistance to families with children fighting cancer. When a 
child is sick, parents should not be restricted by financial burdens in 
determining what type of treatment their child receives. Funds are used 
for expenses such as a bone marrow transplant, housing and food. The 
American Cancer Fund for Children also enables parents to be with their 
children as they undergo treatment. This organization has also worked 
to meet hospital needs for patient and family services, helping to 
ensure the quality of care and improving the chances of survival. For 
instance, children participate in psycho-social services designed to 
foster self-esteem, encourage peer interaction and develop special 
patient communications.
  Through his interactions with children entering the Los Angeles 
Orthopedic Hospital, Steven Firestein has provided them with courage 
and hope. He has established a national network of programs, through 
which he provides children with baseball caps, toys and sports cards. 
These small tokens do wonders to brighten a child's day.
  Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in 
acknowledging the work of Steven Firestein and the American Cancer Fund 
for Children. They have worked to raise awareness of childhood cancer 
and they have motivated our community to take the first

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steps toward achieving our ultimate goal of prevention.

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