[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 88 (Monday, June 16, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO SARAH SHANK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 16, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before this body of Congress today 
to pay tribute to a courageous and benevolent young woman from my 
district. Sarah Shank of Durango, Colorado was diagnosed with a rare 
form of cancer three years ago at the age of eleven. When the disease 
went into remission the following year, Sarah decided she wanted to 
dedicate her time and efforts to help other affected children and their 
families combat cancer.
  With the help of her family, Sarah founded ``Country Kids With 
Cancer,'' an organization that provides emotional support to kids 
battling cancer and financial help to their families. People who live 
in rural areas, such as Sarah's family, often have to travel long 
distances to get treatment. ``Country Kids With Cancer'' works with 
Children's Hospital in Denver to identify and help such families with 
travel related expenses, which can be very expensive and are rarely 
covered by insurance.
  Even though Sarah still deals with health-related problems stemming 
from cancer, she works hard to raise funds by speaking to neighbors at 
the local mall, hosting chili cook-offs, and organizing a charity golf 
tournament. Her efforts have directly helped nine families so far, and 
she is working to help more.
  Mr. Speaker, I am truly honored to recognize Sarah Shank here today. 
That she would work so hard on behalf of others--after all she has been 
through--speaks volumes about her character. Sarah embodies the spirit 
of sharing and service that helped build this great nation, and I 
commend her for her leadership, thank her for her community service, 
and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

                          ____________________