[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 105 (Wednesday, September 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1524]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE WELLNESS COMMUNITY OF THE SAN FRANCISCO EAST BAY 
   AREA FOR ITS COMMITMENT TO INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND LOVED ONES 
                           AFFECTED BY CANCER

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                         HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 7, 2004

  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to your attention 
the accomplishments of the Wellness Community of the San Francisco East 
Bay area.
  The Wellness Community provides support, education, and hope for 
people with cancer and their loved ones, serving more than 1,000 
participants in the Bay Area annually.
  Cancer affects three out of four families across our Nation, over 1.3 
million Americans each year. Cancer does not discriminate, crossing all 
ethnic, racial, age, national origin, sexual orientation, and socio-
economic lines. It is one of the most devastating diseases afflicting 
Americans today.
  The Wellness Community of the San Francisco East Bay area provides 
services to improve the quality of life for cancer patients, their 
families, and loved ones. Services include weekly and monthly support 
groups, monthly educational programs, stress management and gentle 
movement programs, and a cancer resource library.
  In addition to providing a close-knit, home-like atmosphere, the 
Wellness Community's programs also enable those with cancer to take an 
active stance in combating the disease by forming a support network for 
patients and their families.
  The Wellness Community believes that hope is a valuable tool for 
combating cancer. Rather than identifying themselves as passive 
victims, the Wellness Community empowers patients to play an active 
role in improving their own lives by working directly with their 
healthcare teams to bring about the possibility of recovery.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the Wellness 
Community on over twenty years of dedicated service in improving the 
lives of individuals, families, and loved ones who are affected by 
cancer in the San Francisco Bay area.
  I urge the House of Representatives to recognize their declaration of 
September 18, 2004 as ``The Wellness Community Day of Celebration.''

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