[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE R.A. BLOCH CANCER FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DENNIS MOORE

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 14, 2001

  Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a family and a 
foundation that have changed the lives of thousands of cancer patients 
in our country--Richard and Annette Bloch and the volunteers of the 
R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation.
  In 1978, Richard Bloch was told he had terminal lung cancer and that 
he had 3 months to live. He refused to accept this prognosis, and after 
two years of aggressive therapy, he was told he was cured.
  Since Richard's bout with cancer, he and his wife Annette have 
devoted their lives to helping other cancer patients. Richard, one of 
America's best known businessmen, sold his interest in H&R Block, Inc. 
and retired from the company in 1982 to be able to devote all of his 
efforts to fighting cancer.
  The Bloch Cancer Foundation, which is fully supported financially by 
the Bloch family, is fueled by over a thousand volunteers--other cancer 
survivors and supporters who share the vision of Richard and Annette 
Bloch, such as:
  Doctors who have shared their time, knowledge and expertise;
  Home volunteers who call newly diagnosed cancer patients and place 
the metaphorical arm around a shoulder. These home volunteers guide new 
patients through their apprehension and fears so they can face their 
disease with confidence;
  Computer specialists who have developed the web sites so patients and 
survivors can seek help over the Internet;
  Volunteers who give their time on a weekly basis to answer phones and 
e-mail and form the backbone of an organization committed to cancer 
patients;
  The professionals and volunteers of the Bloch Cancer Support Center;
  Those who help develop Cancer Survivors Parks;
  Volunteers who helped to mail more than 98,000 books that were 
requested by cancer patients; and
  The Board of Directors who help Dick and Annette develop and 
implement the programs of the foundation.
  Mr. Speaker, on June 4, 2001, we will celebrate the 16th anniversary 
of Cancer Survivors Day, an event that was started by the Blochs in 
Kansas City and is now celebrated in over 700 communities throughout 
the United States. June 4th also marks the 21st anniversary of the 
Cancer Hot Line, which has received more than 125,000 calls from newly 
diagnosed cancer patients since its inception in 1980.
  I encourage my colleagues to join me as I honor Richard and Annette 
Bloch and the volunteers of the R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation for 
twenty-one years of steadfast commitment to cancer patients and 
survivors.

                          ____________________