[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 130 (Monday, October 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING LINDA WHITE-EPPS FOR HER LIFETIME OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and great 
admiration that I rise today to pay tribute to an exceptional woman 
whose endless energy and dedication touched the lives of all who knew 
her and many who did not. It has been one year since Linda White-Epps 
was taken from her family, friends, and community after a long and 
courageous battle with breast cancer. A tireless advocate and inspiring 
soul, Linda's message of strength and support continues through the 
organization she founded, Sister's Journey.
  After losing an aunt as well as another significant person in her 
life to cancer and being diagnosed with breast cancer herself, Linda 
made it her life's purpose to ensure that no woman be ``alone'' in the 
battle with breast cancer. Linda always held a strong belief in the 
importance of sharing her story with others--to hide it was to allow 
the disease to win. She began Sister's Journey, a support group for 
women of color surviving breast cancer. She went on to create an annual 
calendar with each month highlighting the story of a survivor. The 
calender serves a tangible and visible source of encouragement--sending 
a message of hope to other woman striving for survivorship.
  I had many opportunities to work with Linda over the years and I was 
always in awe of her constant energy and unwavering commitment to her 
cause. She strongly believed in the need for awareness, education, and 
outreach to those diagnosed with breast cancer and their loved ones. 
Linda brought the battle to the community and to Washington. The 
American Cancer Society was just one of the many organizations for 
which Linda volunteered her time. In fact, she served as a lobbyist for 
the organization in Washington, highlighting the concerns of 
Connecticut and making sure legislators knew just how vital increased 
funding for research and education are--not only to those fighting 
breast cancer, but for those who had survived as well. Linda was also 
responsible for organizing the first Relay for Life event in Hamden, 
Connecticut--now an annual event that serves as one of the largest 
fundraisers for the American Cancer Society.
  Linda's accomplishments and advocacy did not go unrecognized. 
Throughout her life she was honored with a myriad of awards and 
acknowledgments. Perhaps the most prestigious of these many accolades 
was when Linda was recognized with the ``Points of Light Award'' in 
2002. Bestowed by the President of the United States, this special 
honor celebrates the success of volunteers and highlights the impact 
that individuals have on their communities. For Linda, this was a most 
fitting tribute. Her efforts have left an indelible mark on our 
community and one cannot say enough about the difference she has made 
in the lives of others.
  This year marks the 6th Anniversary of the ``Pink Tea'', an annual 
``Celebration of Survivorship,'' where the Sister's Journey Calendar 
has traditionally been unveiled. This year's event will indeed be 
special as members remember Linda's efforts and honor her memory by 
continuing her work. I am proud to join her mother, Phyllis White; her 
children, Dawn and George; her grandchildren, Dominique and Donvan; 
family, friends, and colleagues in honoring Linda White-Epps for her 
outstanding service and invaluable contributions to our community. 
Linda's legacy will continue to inspire and support those most in need.

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