[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 105 (Wednesday, September 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING ANN GRACE SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM DAVIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 2004

  Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Ann Grace 
Smith, a Tampa Bay native who before losing her own battle with Lou 
Gehrig's Disease last month, helped countless other ALS patients 
through their own struggles with this disease.
  Ann had been a University of Florida graduate, accountant, dedicated 
wife and mother of two before she was diagnosed with ALS. Then, at a 
time when she was facing her greatest personal challenge, she devoted 
her energy to helping others.
  While struggling with ALS herself, Ann helped found the ALS 
Association Florida Chapter in Tampa. Throughout her 19 year illness, 
she served on the board of directors, helping to build up the chapter 
and its services to our community.
  Always able to see the big picture, Ann recognized the need to 
support not only ALS patients, but also their caregivers. She worked to 
provide respite relief for caregivers to relieve the stress and burden 
on those providing constant care for loved ones.
  On behalf of the entire Tampa Bay community, I honor Ann for her 
selfless dedication to serving others, and I extend my deepest 
sympathies to her loving husband David, her family and friends. Ann was 
a true inspiration.

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