[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 103 (Thursday, July 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PAYING TRIBUTE TO JONI FAIR

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you to salute an incredible 
individual of the Colorado Health Community who is one of the six 
recipients of the 2002 YWCA Anna Taussig Tribute to Women Award. Joni 
has committed herself to the study and evaluation of hospices around 
the world to increase the ability of others to care for the terminally 
ill. She has an unrelenting passion for her work, which has been 
illustrated countless times through her dedication to improve hospice 
conditions. It is my pleasure to honor her today before this body of 
Congress and this nation.
  Joni Fair is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Sangre 
de Cristo Hospice in Colorado, and has traveled across the world to 
educate caretakers about the terminally ill; her latest trip to Japan 
led to the establishment of the first hospice ever in Japan. Joni 
refuses to allow financial status to defer a patient from staying in a 
hospice and leaves her doors open to all who qualify for hospice care. 
For her passion, devotion and spirit, Joni has earned the El Pomar 
Foundation Award for Excellence, Colorado Hospice Program of the Year 
Award, National Hospice Award of Excellence, and the President's Award. 
Her diligence and integrity, established a precedent in the medical 
community worldwide. -
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in thanking Joni for her 
contributions and dedication to the comfort of her patients. I ask that 
this body recognize her efforts to make patient hospice life less 
distressful. She is a beacon of care in her community whose passion 
will shine beyond her legacy. Joni, Congratulations on your latest 
achievements and good luck in your future endeavors.

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