[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 83 (Tuesday, June 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING TERRY KRAEMER, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 27, 2000

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, today I commend a young constituent of mine 
for his insightful letter.
  Terry Kraemer, Jr., of Palmdale, CA, sent me a very thought provoking 
letter about the recent death of his father, Terry Kraemer, Sr., due to 
melanoma. His letter recounted how his father endured a painful death 
as his skin cancer traveled from a small mole on his leg to his lymph 
system and then to other vital organs.
  He also told me about how his father served his community as a Boy 
Scout leader, a counseling intern, and as a ``father figure'' for many 
of the children in the neighborhood.
  In his dad's memory, Terry wrote to me to ask that Congress place a 
special emphasis on finding a cure for melanoma and on educating other 
Americans, so they will not suffer as Terry's family has suffered.
  His letter compelled me to find out what the federal government is 
doing to prevent this devastating disease. I was pleased to see that 
both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for 
Disease Control (CDC) have extensive programs on melanoma.
  First, the NIH's CancerNet website contains a comprehensive page on 
melanoma including information on early detection, symptoms, diagnosis, 
and treatment. CancerNet also addresses genetics, risk factors, and 
prevention so that sun worshipers will be able to protect themselves 
early and properly. You can find CancerNet at http://
cancernet.nci.nih.gov/cancer_types/melanoma.shtml.
  Second, the CDC sponsors the ``Choose Your Cover'' Campaign--a skin 
cancer prevention initiative aimed at children and young adults. This 
program uses education materials, brochures, posters, and public 
service announcements to remind young Americans that they can have fun 
in the sun and still be safe. For more information on this campaign, 
see the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/ChooseYourCover.
  As we head to the beaches and outdoors over this 4th of July recess, 
I appeal to all my colleagues to learn more about melanoma by reviewing 
these websites and to educate their families and constituents about the 
ways to prevent this horrible disease.
  In closing, I want to thank Terry for bringing this important issue 
to my attention. Terry put aside his grief so that others will not 
suffer as he has. He is a brave young man and deserves to be 
recognized. I am proud for this opportunity to do so.
  And, finally, on Terry's behalf, I encourage you all to ``Choose Your 
Cover.''

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