[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2120-E2121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING FAITH FANCHER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 2003

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of an 
extraordinary woman, Faith Fancher. Faith passed away in her home in 
Oakland, CA, on October 19, 2003, at the age of 53 after a long battle 
with breast cancer.
  Faith Fancher was a popular reporter with KTVU Television, Channel 2 
and the recipient of numerous awards. Her plight was well-known to 
thousands of KTVU viewers after she disclosed that she was being 
treated for the disease. She hoped her story would teach others the 
benefits of early detection, so she allowed her friend, Elaine Corral 
Kendall and a camera crew to follow her treatment, which began in the 
Spring of 1997. ``Faith's Story'' aired for three nights and won an 
award at the American Medical Association International Health and 
Medical Film Competition in 1997.
  Faith was born in 1950 in Franklin, TN. She is the wife of Mr. 
William Drummond, professor of Journalism at the University of 
California, Berkeley campus. They met in 1979, in Washington, DC, while 
both were working at National Public Radio. They were married on 
October 20, 1982. Faith leaves behind one

[[Page E2121]]

stepson Sean Drummond and one stepdaughter Tamberline Drummond of New 
Jersey.
  Faith graduated valedictorian of her class from St Francis de Salle 
Boarding School for Girls in Powatan, Virginia in 1967. She earned a 
Bachelor of Science degree in Education and English from the University 
of Tennessee at Knoxville summa cum laude in 1972 but her real 
education began with her broadcast career. Her first job was at WBR in 
Knoxville, TN. She was the first Black female journalist in Knoxville.
  Faith Fancher was a remarkably strong human being. Her spirit-filled 
life inspired many to do good, to be humble, and to stay positive. Her 
smile, her diligent and dedicated work--in spite of the odds--kept hope 
alive for many. Faith's love for the human family transcended 
artificial barriers and truly united us. Faith touched the lives of 
many, and as we celebrate her life, let us rededicate ourselves to her 
values and her vision for a better world. Faith lived a life filled 
with ``faith, hope, and love.'' For this, we are deeply grateful.
  To Faith's family, friends and fans, I extend my deepest sympathy.

                          ____________________