[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 45 (Wednesday, April 22, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S3457]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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             IN RECOGNITION OF GILDA'S CLUB, METRO DETROIT

   Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I rise today to call my 
colleagues' attention to the April 30, 1998 Grand Opening of the new, 
and permanent, home of Gilda's Club, Metro Detroit in Royal Oak, 
Michigan. Gilda's Club is a support community for men, women and 
children who are living with cancer as well as their families and 
friends.
  Gilda's Club is named for the late comedienne Gilda Radner, a Detroit 
native who died at the age of 42 after a courageous fight against 
cancer. Gilda first became known for her portrayals of irreverent 
characters on ``Saturday Night Live.'' She also appeared on Broadway 
and in movies. Shortly before she died, Gilda wrote ``It's Always 
Something,'' a book about her experience living with cancer. Gilda's 
Club was born from Gilda Radner's wish for all people with cancer to 
have as strong a support group as she had.
  Gilda's Club aims to provide a friendly, residential haven for cancer 
patients and their friends and families. In this home-like setting, 
people living with or affected by cancer can share their experiences, 
participate in workshops and lectures, and attend social events. 
Gilda's Club is designed to enhance medical treatment with the 
emotional and social support which can be so crucial for those living 
with the disease.
  Thousands of people from communities throughout Michigan pulled 
together to make Gilda's Club's permanent home a reality. Many 
organizations and businesses have hosted fundraising events and have 
committed their own money to the cause. A comedy event is held once a 
year to raise funds for Gilda's Club, and thousands of people walk in 
the Annual 5K Gilda's Club Family Walk and Block Party. In 1997, this 
event involved more than three thousand walkers and raised more than 
$175,000.
  Mr. President, people living with cancer have long been able to rely 
on gifted and dedicated doctors to help them fight the disease which 
affects their bodies. Gilda's Club, Metro Detroit offers a critical 
supplement--emotional uplift--to the care cancer patients receive from 
their physicians. By promoting hope and healing, Gilda's Club will have 
an impact on thousands of people. I hope my colleagues will join me in 
recognizing the efforts of the many people who have made Gilda's Club, 
Metro Detroit possible, and in extending our prayers and high hopes to 
everyone who walks through its doors.

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