[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING HOPE NANCARROW FOR HER SERVICE TO THE MENTALLY ILL

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                          HON. GEORGE W. GEKAS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 20, 2001

  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Hope Nancarrow of 
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, who has dedicated her life to improving the 
emotional and mental condition of hospital patients. Since the early 
1960's, Hope has helped to improve the quality of life for countless 
patients at the Harrisburg State Hospital. With her innovative therapy 
methods, she has helped many mentally ill individuals.
  As a volunteer at a time when hospitals often ignored the emotional 
needs of the mentally ill, Hope set out to help those interned at the 
state hospital. With hymns and Bible readings, Hope lifted the 
patients' spirits. As the years progressed, Hope found more diverse 
therapies for dealing with patients.
  Her use of pets in the hospital has brought joy to so many patients 
who yearn for the companionship and love they can only receive from 
familiar animals. She reached patients who no one else could with her 
understanding and incredible love for people. In addition to her work 
at the hospital, Hope helps to enrich the lives of other challenged 
groups. For example, Hope is a weekly reader at the Tri-County 
Association of the Blind.
  Hope is the epitome of self-sacrifice and devotion to humankind. She 
has an intense appreciation for the human condition. She strives to 
personally help as many hospital patients as possible. With her keen 
insight into the kind of treatment mentally ill individuals need and 
deserve, she continues to make a difference in the lives of many.
  I know that the entire House of Representatives will join me in 
celebrating the efforts of this outstanding woman for her care of the 
mentally ill. Hope Nancarrow stands as a guiding light of inspiration 
for all of us.

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