[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 125 (Thursday, September 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  TRIBUTE TO MS. BARBARA BROWN'S EFFORTS FOR PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS

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                        HON. CHARLES W. STENHOLM

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 1999

  Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Barbara 
Brown of Coleman, Texas who is crusading for increased awareness of 
prostate cancer in honor of her late father, Carl Houston Hale, of West 
Memphis, Arkansas, who lost his life to this cancer on December 12, 
1997. Known as a silent killer, prostate cancer will affect over 
175,000 men in the United States this year. Today alone, approximately 
100 men will die from this disease, and in one year over 37,000 will be 
lost as well. Excluding skin cancer, cancer of the prostate is the most 
common malignancy and the second leading cause of death among men in 
the United States. The risk of prostate cancer increases with age; more 
than 80% of all prostate tumors are diagnosed in men over age 65. And 
while 1 in 5 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, we 
still know far too little about the cause and behavior of this silent 
killer. Clearly, it is a national problem that has a severe impact on 
our nation.
  In her younger years, Barbara sang in gospel groups, and dreamed of 
recording her own album. Through the grief of her father she wrote two 
songs, ``Resting In the Arms of the Lord'' and ``Wind That Blows From 
Heaven,'' in an effort to cope with the overwhelming emotion of losing 
her father. These two songs eventually led to the recording of her 
first album in March 1998, entitled ``Resting In the Arms of the 
Lord.'' With this Barbara achieved a life-long aspiration amidst 
unfortunate circumstances, and she is committed to donating a part of 
her tapes' proceeds to the American Cancer Society. As each tape is 
sold, a part of her father's life and his memory touches the lives of 
so many others, all while working towards the ultimate goal of a cure.
  Additionally Barbara has devoted her life to bringing more awareness 
to this disease by urging men to seek regular check-ups and treatment 
if necessary. At Barbara's urging, the Coleman County Commissioners 
Court passed a proclamation declaring September 21st through September 
27st as Prostate Cancer Awareness Week and advocating all to be aware 
of prostate cancer. With this proclamation, countless lives could be 
saved. Barbara also has plans to continue to promote awareness of this 
disease in the community of Coleman as well as surrounding areas by 
hosting various on-going promotional events raising money for the 
American Cancer Society.
  I close by using Barbara's words which I believe have distinguished 
her as a heroic woman: ``Out of our pain comes some of our greatest 
accomplishments. As I continue to educate men on this disease, 
hopefully it will prevent another person from having to face this 
needless pain. I have a responsibility to do this: in honor of my 
father's memory.''
  I ask that all of my colleagues join me in honoring Barbara for her 
efforts, and I encourage all Americans to take that crucial step of 
participating in important health screenings and visiting your doctor 
regarding health concerns. Early detection is critical for survival.

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