[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 82 (Tuesday, June 15, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1120-E1121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING CAROLYN RUBENSTEIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ROBERT WEXLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 15, 2004

  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an extraordinary 
individual who has made a difference in the lives of so many young 
children. Carolyn Rubenstein, herself just a teenager, started 
Carolyn's Compassionate Children (CCC), a non-profit organization that 
links critically ill children with their healthy peers through a pen 
pal program. Started 5 years ago when Carolyn was 14 years old, the 
program has connected over 500 children with pen pals in almost every 
U.S. state and countries around the world, including Canada and 
England. This excellent program helps children suffering from life-
threatening or chronic illnesses connect with their healthy peers. Most 
of these children are shut in and do not have the ability to interact 
with others their age or live normal lives. CCC gives them the 
opportunity to develop friendships and connect with children or teens 
their age.
  In addition to the pen pal program, CCC has awarded 21 college 
scholarships to cancer survivors. Because of their illness, many of 
these children who do not have as impressive a resume as their healthy 
peers and would, otherwise, not qualify for a scholarship. More 
recently, CCC has set up a scholarship program in the arts for cancer 
survivors.
  I cannot say enough about Carolyn. At a time when our country is 
asking our young men and women to make sacrifices, Carolyn is a shining 
example for others to follow. Her compassion, drive and desire to help 
others has made this world a better place. I commend Carolyn and CCC 
for making a difference in the lives of so many young people.

[[Page E1121]]



                          ____________________