[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 42 (Tuesday, April 16, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E546]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          THE ONCOLOGY NURSING SOCIETY'S 27TH ANNUAL CONGRESS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROGER F. WICKER

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 16, 2002

  Mr. WICKER. Mr. Speaker, in 2002, more than 1.2 million Americans 
will hear the words ``You have cancer.'' More than 500,000 Americans 
will lose their battle with this terrible disease. Oncology nurses are 
on the front lines in the battle against cancer. Every day, they see 
the pain and suffering caused by cancer. They understand the physical, 
emotional, and financial challenges that cancer patients face 
throughout their life.
  The Oncology Nursing Society is the largest organization of oncology 
health professionals in the world with more than 30,000 registered 
nurses and other health care professionals. There are three chapters of 
the ONS in my home state of Mississippi located in Brandon, Ocean 
Springs, and Tupelo. These chapters provide important benefits and 
services to oncology nurses throughout Mississippi.
  This week more than 5,000 oncology nurses from around the country 
have traveled to Washington, DC, to attend the Oncology Nursing 
Society's 27th Annual Congress. This year's theme is aptly titled ``The 
Many Faces of Oncology Nursing.'' The attendees will increase their 
knowledge of the newest cancer treatments, learn the latest 
developments in cancer nursing research, and enhance their clinical 
skills. In addition, approximately 550 of these nurses, representing 49 
states, will come to Capitol Hill to discuss issues of concern to 
oncology nurses. I encourage my colleagues to meet with these nurses 
and to listen to the expert advice of these expert health care 
professionals.
  I commend the Oncology Nursing Society for all of its efforts and 
leadership over the last 27 years and I thank the Society's members for 
their ongoing commitment to improving the quality of care for all 
cancer patients and their families.

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