[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 83 (Thursday, June 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1110-E1111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO GILDA'S CLUB

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 14, 2001

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Gilda's Club 
of New York City on the occasion of its sixth anniversary. Since 
opening its doors in 1995, Gilda's Club has welcomed over 2,600 
people--men, women and children--all of whom have been affected by 
cancer. The Club was founded in honor and named after the late Gilda 
Radner. While best known for her work as a comedienne, Radner's legacy 
continues in Gilda's Club as it carries out her dying wish: that 
persons, like herself, living with cancer would find a community in 
which to meet, support, and share with those also struggling with this 
deadly disease.
  Gilda's Club is a non-profit organization that provides free-of-
charge services to anyone living with cancer, from those struggling 
with their own illnesses to their families and friends. Most noteworthy 
of these services is the Club's innovative and effective Basic III 
`Plus' program. The program focuses on providing members with an 
emotional and social foundation from which to draw hope and strength. 
From encouragement in Support and Networking Groups, to education in 
Lectures and Workshops, to family bonds in Noogieland, The Family Focus 
and Team Convene, the Basic III `Plus' program covers all the bases in 
creating the network patients need to heal both emotionally and 
physically.
  This network is made possible by the volunteers and members of 
Gilda's Club, who strive to create a welcoming atmosphere for 
newcomers. These members and volunteers form lasting bonds while 
participating in Club programs. It is this unique bond that allows 
members to feel comfortable turning to the Club in

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their times of need. Executive Director Joel Sesser most accurately 
describes the Club as ``a special community at the crossroads of the 
world.'' Everyone, regardless of their sex, religion, or ethnic 
background, is guaranteed loving care and support at Gilda's Club.
  For the hope and spirit it has provided to its members and the 
inspiration it provides to the community, I offer my sincere 
congratulations to Gilda's Club of New York City for its six years of 
exceptional service.

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