[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 59 (Thursday, May 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E720]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING FRANCINE LEVIEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 3, 2001

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Francine Levien. 
Francine Levien was a model in our community for the value of activism. 
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995, Francine founded Marin Breast 
Cancer Watch to investigate possible causes for the epidemic of this 
disease in Marin County.
  As a long-time advocate of safe and nutritious foods, Francine was 
aware of the potential negative health consequences of various 
substances in our environment. With Marin's breast cancer rate the 
highest in the nation, Francine pioneered a movement here that has 
spread through the Bay Area and beyond. Her work also explored the 
links between toxins and other illnesses, and her interest in human 
rights led to concern for people with breast cancer world-wide.
  Mr. Speaker, Francine was instrumental in securing federal funding 
for a breast cancer study in Marin. Her spirit and vision will continue 
to inspire not only the search for a cause and a cure for this disease 
but also the focus on a healthier environment for all of us. She will 
be sorely missed.

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