[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 137 (Monday, December 6, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JENNIFER HAMMER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 6, 2004

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life of Jennifer Hammer of Northern Virginia, a friend and neighbor who 
passed away after succumbing to a three-year battle with Ovarian Cancer 
in November 2004.
  Mrs. Hammer's courage and resilience should serve as an inspiration 
to us all. Despite her health, she remained an active member in her 
community. She volunteered at her children's schools and participated 
in the 350-mile AIDS bicycle ride from North Carolina to the National 
Mall. Mrs. Hammer worked hard to train, but was most concerned about 
the criteria to raise $1,700 in order to participate. In the end, she 
raised over $4,000 and finished the four-day ride with energy to spare.
  On Election Day, Mrs. Hammer voted on the way to what would be her 
final surgery. She was so weak that the voting officials had to bring a 
voting machine to the car for her. She thanked them and then left for 
the hospital.
  Mrs. Hammer touched many lives and is survived by her beloved husband 
Tom and children Adam and Samantha. Over Thanksgiving weekend, when 
many friends were out of town for the holiday, almost 600 people came 
to a memorial service to celebrate her life.
  Mrs. Hammer showed us how to enjoy life in the good times and be 
positive and full of abundant grace in the worst of times. She was at 
peace in the end because of her faith in God and because she knew that 
she lived fully while on earth. Jennifer made a huge impact on many and 
was loved by all. Our lives were better for having known her, and we 
will continue to draw inspiration from her strength and compassion.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to pay tribute to the life and 
work Mrs. Hammer, and express my deepest condolences to all who knew 
and loved her.

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