[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 44 (Monday, April 10, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING DR. GERALD AND MARILYN FISHBONE FOR OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 10, 2000

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, each year the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation 
International of Greater New Haven Chapter presents an individual or 
individuals with the ``Living and Giving Award,'' recognizing 
outstanding contributions to diabetes research and education. It gives 
me great pleasure to rise today to honor two of New Haven's outstanding 
citizens, my good friends Gerald and Marilyn Fishbone, this year's 
recipients of this prestigious award. The Fishbones have been leading 
advocates in the fight against diabetes for twenty-five years and I 
cannot think of a more appropriate way for the people of New Haven to 
express our thanks and appreciation.
  Diabetes is the leading cause of new adult blindness, kidney failure, 
and premature death. The volunteer efforts of the Juvenile Diabetes 
Foundation to fund research is an essential part of our national effort 
to find a cure. It is the dedication and commitment of people like 
Gerry and Marilyn that has fueled the national movement to eliminate 
this devastating disease. With unparalleled motivation and spirit, they 
have built an impressive record of service to this organization. They 
are truly an inspiration to us all.
  They are both founding members of the Greater New Haven Chapter of 
the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and have both devoted extraordinary 
time and energy to this critical endeavor. Gerry is past chairman of 
the JDF International Board of Directors and continues to serve on the 
board of chancellors. As the chair of the editorial committee, he 
oversees the publication of the organization's magazine, COUNTDOWN, 
which carries the latest news of research and progress across the 
country.
  Marilyn was president of the Greater New Haven Chapter of JDF for 7 
years and has been a board member since the organization's inception 25 
years ago. Testifying before the State Senate, she helped to establish 
two Centers for Children with Diabetes--bringing statewide awareness of 
the need for continued funding for research and education. Marilyn is 
the former director of fundraising for the Greater New haven Chapter of 
JDF. Under her direction the chapter raised more dollars per capita 
than any other chapter across the nation--truly one of her greatest 
achievements. Drawing on her own personal experiences with the disease, 
Marilyn counsels patients and their families, extending a comforting 
hand as they face the challenges of the disease. Through their work, 
Gerry and Marilyn have been instrumental in the development and success 
of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
  It is rare to find individuals with the same spirit of giving as we 
have found in Gerry and Marilyn. Their hard work has enriched the 
organization--making a real difference in the lives of countless 
children and families. I am proud to join their children, Scott and 
Lisa, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of Greater New Haven, friends 
and supporters, as Gerry and Marilyn are presented with the ``Living 
and Giving Award.'' Words cannot express our gratitude for their many 
contributions.

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