[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 31 (Thursday, March 19, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E425-E426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMEMORATION OF CALIFORNIA'S CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 1998

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commemorate the week of 
March 15-21, 1998, which Governor Pete Wilson has proclaimed as 
``Childhood Cancer Awareness Week,'' in my home State of California.
  Each year, about 10,000 children in our country are diagnosed with 
cancer. In California, this deadly disease is the second leading cause 
of death among children. There can be little else that can compare with 
the senselessness and tragedy of a little child who has been struck 
with a life-threatening illness. Today, I would like to recognize the 
American Cancer Fund for Children, and it's founder, Steven Firestein, 
for not only helping to find a cure for these sick children, but for 
easing their road to recovery, or to their final rest.
  The American Cancer Fund for Children has helped families get through 
what is certain to be the most difficult time in their lives. Providing 
food, clothing, transportation, prosthetic devices and social service 
programs to young

[[Page E426]]

cancer patients, this organization comes to the aid of families who 
need it the most. They help take away worries, so families can have 
more time for hope.
  Besides touching lives of individual children, the American Cancer 
Fund for Children has also made an impact on communities, through 
outreach and education about childhood cancer, and has contributed to 
cancer research.
  While researchers and activists continue to search for a cure for 
cancer, it's important to recognize the interim needs of child victims 
and their families. Steven Firestein and the American Cancer Fund for 
children are doing just that. I encourage all my colleagues to join me 
in recognizing the American Cancer Fund for Children, and it's 
continuing efforts in easing the pain of childhood sickness and 
reaching for a cure.

                          ____________________