[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 60 (Wednesday, May 13, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S4840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             COMMENDING THE CREDIT UNIONS FOR KIDS PROGRAM

 Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today in 
recognition of the Credit Unions for Kids program, an effort which 
began in my state of Oregon but which has since spread to more than 35 
states across the nation and has served as an outstanding example of 
community service.
  The Credit Unions for Kids program represents credit union employees 
and members in Oregon and Southwest Washington who have volunteered 
their resources and time in raising $1.7 million to benefit the 
Doernbecher Children's Hospital Foundation. Last year, Oregon ranked 
first in the average dollars raised per credit union on a nationwide 
basis.
  This is a day for celebration, not only for this donation, but for 
the generosity exhibited by a twelve-year fund-raising effort 
undertaken by the employees, families, and members of the credit unions 
in Oregon and Southwest Washington. This combined effort serves as an 
example to the businesses, communities and corporations in the Pacific 
Northwest and throughout the nation that anything is possible, even 
fulfilling the dream of a new children's hospital, one floor at a time.
  For a moment, I would like to focus on the recipient of this 
donation--the new Doernbecher Children's Hospital which replaces a very 
old and outdated facility on the campus of Oregon Health Sciences 
University. This four-story, 250,000 square-foot facility houses 120 
beds, including the medical/surgical units, a pediatric intensive care 
unit, the Kenneth W. Ford Cancer Center and the Doernbecher Neonatal 
Care Center. The hospital also has a 16-bed floor dedicated to 
inpatient and outpatient cancer treatment.
  Perhaps what is most impressive about this facility is the focus on 
the need of the children and families whom it will serve. Designed by 
Doernbecher staff, parents and patients, the hospital has places for 
families to gather together, facilities for families who wish to cook 
their own meals, and patient rooms that have extra beds so that parents 
may stay with their children. There are separate playrooms, outdoor 
play structures and a schoolroom. There are large and numerous windows 
welcoming natural light. There is artwork of birds and frogs, 
sculptures, painting, and poems.
  One particular poem, ``Naknuwisha'' which appears in the waiting room 
of the hospital and is a Sahaptin term among the Yakima, meaning ``to 
care for something precious, particularly children who need our help'' 
was written by Kim Stafford in 1996 and serves as a constant reminder 
to all who enter the hospital that this is a place for children, and a 
place where healing and hope begin:

     Naknuwisha
     young friend,
     be part of something old--
     be home here in the great world
     where rain wants to give you drink
     where forest wants to be your house
     where frogs say your name and your name
     where wee birds carry your wishes far
     and the sun reaches for your hand--
     be home here
     be healed
     be well
     be with us all
     young friend.

  Mr. President, this beautiful new hospital is the foundation of a 
commitment made by the community, families, friends, physicians, and by 
businesses who have given the gift of time and resources to turn a 
dream into a reality. I am proud to recognize the Credit Unions of 
Oregon and Washington, and to congratulate them on their contribution 
to this facility and this day of celebration of the opening of the 
Credit Unions for Kids floor of the Doernbecher Children's Hosptial.
  Congratulations, and thank you.

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