[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO DOLLY DEIBEL AND HER LEADERSHIP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2003

  Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding 
East Texan and ardent supporter of The University of Texas M.D. 
Anderson Cancer Center, Dolores M. ``Dolly'' Deibel of Tyler, Texas. 
Dolly has long been one of Tyler's philanthropic and civic leaders, and 
for the past two years, has chaired the ``Light up Tomorrow . . . for 
the Children'' benefit to raise funding and public awareness for the 
Pediatric Division at M.D. Anderson and the Children's Art Project. 
This year the event will be held on December 17 in Tyler.
  Dolly has served as an Associate Member of the Membership Committee 
of The University Cancer Foundation Board of Visitors since September, 
2000, and has been reappointed every year thereafter. Her efforts on 
behalf of M.D. Anderson are well-known, and the pediatric benefit has 
received strong community backing. This year the holiday gala enjoys 
the generous sponsorship of dozens of community leaders and supporters.
  Mr. Speaker, I have a special appreciation for--and owe a debt of 
gratitude to--the dedicated staff and leadership at M.D. Anderson 
Cancer Center. Several years ago, my grandson Jay was stricken with 
cancer, and through the valiant efforts and superb treatment available 
at M.D. Anderson, Jay was one of those fortunate cancer patients who 
pulled through. I will be eternally grateful for the treatment that Jay 
and countless others have received there, and I appreciate Dolly's 
efforts in supporting the children of M.D. Anderson.
  Dolly has been a longtime advocate in the fight to eradicate cancer. 
Last year, in recognition of her tireless efforts on behalf of The 
American Cancer Society over the past twenty-five years, the Deibel 
family joined with the American Cancer Society to name a room in her 
honor at the new building serving the Smith County Unit in Tyler. Over 
the years, Dolly has served the Smith County Unit of The American 
Cancer Society as Board member, public relations chairman, district 
chairman, committee member of Cattle Baron's Gala, Chili Rose Bowl and 
Great American Smokeout. She has served as a Board member of the State 
division of The American Cancer Society, including service on the 
Communications Committee, Great American Smokeout, Legislative Day at 
the Capital, and Women and Smoking Committee, among many other 
activities. She has received numerous awards for her many 
contributions.
  Dolly also has been actively involved in countless philanthropic, 
civic, and political activities in Tyler, as so many look to her for 
leadership, inspiration, and support. She has devoted her time and 
talent to numerous causes, including the Women's Symphony League of 
Tyler, Tyler Rose Festival, Literacy Council of Tyler, Dallas Summer 
Musicals, Distinguished Lecture Series at The University of Texas at 
Tyler, Tyler Museum of Art, YMCA and other worthy organizations.
  Dolly's vivacious, wonderfully engaging personality, her 
intelligence, her genuine compassion for others, and her willingness to 
work hard and to accomplish difficult tasks enable her to succeed in 
any cause or event that she tackles. Tyler and the State of Texas have 
benefitted greatly from her dedication to improving the lives of 
others, and she and her husband, John, are one of the dynamic couples 
in Tyler who are making a difference in their community. As we adjourn 
today, I want to commend Dolly Deibel for her extraordinary efforts on 
behalf of others, and in particular her support of the children of M.D. 
Anderson Cancer Center and the fight against cancer. Best wishes to all 
those who are supporting the ``Light up Tomorrow . . . for the 
Children'' benefit in Tyler on December 17--and may the light of 
Christmas shine upon this event. God bless.

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