[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO DOROTHY PACHECO

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration that I 
recognize Dorothy Pacheco of Pueblo, Colorado for the outstanding 
contributions she has made in caring for the elderly. Mrs. Pacheco has 
recently been named the Colorado Health Care Association's 2002 Nurse 
of the Year and, as she receives this distinguished honor, I would like 
to pay tribute to her outstanding career before this body of Congress.
  The way Dorothy Pacheco began her nursing career was anything but 
conventional. After she married, Dorothy and her husband soon started a 
family and her hectic schedule as a full time mother made finding the 
time to attend nursing school extremely difficult. However, by the time 
her youngest daughter was one year old, with the support of her 
husband, children, and friends she was able to meet the challenge and 
go back to school.
  While still fulfilling her responsibilities as a full time mother, 
Mrs. Pacheco simultaneously invested long hours toward nursing school 
and holding down a part time nursing job. In 1982, all of Dorothy's 
hard work paid off when she received her degree to become a registered 
nurse. Although Dorothy believed her true passion was in hospital care, 
she soon found that caring for elderly patients was a most satisfying 
responsibility. After only a year of working as a hospital nurse, 
Dorothy returned to caring for the elderly and that is where she 
remained for the duration of her career.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with genuine appreciation that I recognize Mrs. 
Dorothy Pacheco before this body of Congress and this nation for the 
selfless contributions she has made toward the welfare of Colorado's 
elderly. Her great works are an inspiration to us all and her optimism, 
good will and compassion have touched the lives of thousands of senior 
citizens throughout my state.




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