[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E775-E776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF STAR NUCKOLLS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 2005

  Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, the greatest sadness for most of us is the 
loss of a child, and today I want to honor the life and help preserve 
the memory of Star Nuckolls of Sulphur Springs, Texas, whose life ended 
on February 7. Star was four years old. Her life and her struggle 
captured the hearts of hundreds in her community and throughout the 
Nation, and today we celebrate the joy and inspiration she brought to 
so many.
  Star was first diagnosed with cancer in June 2004 and received 
numerous medical treatments during the six months prior to her

[[Page E776]]

death. Specialists at MD Anderson Medical Center in Houston performed 
the necessary surgery and follow-up treatments for a stage four cancer. 
The citizens of Sulphur Springs and members of the First Baptist Church 
rallied in support of Star, her parents Steve and Kari, and sister 
Saylor. Sean Huffman, editor of The Christian News Monthly, wrote and 
published a moving article about Star and the strength and faith 
demonstrated by Star's parents.
  Star was a beautiful and vibrant young girl who demonstrated a 
capacity to live with enthusiasm and joy despite her serious illness. 
She never understood all that was happening to her and certainly could 
not comprehend the outpouring of support from friends and strangers 
alike. But her parents did. Their Sunday School class provided 
groceries so they wouldn't have to shop. Someone mowed their yard every 
week. Weyerhauser in Dallas donated purple stars with Star's name on 
them that were sold to help defray out-of-pocket medical expenses. 
These stars were displayed all around Sulphur Springs in a show of 
support. Steve and Kari's employer, Farm Bureau Insurance, donated 
enough to cover a weekly chemotherapy drug that was not covered by 
their medical insurance. And the prayers that were lifted for Star and 
her family are countless.
  Throughout this difficult time, Kari and Steve demonstrated an 
unshakeable faith in God and a strength beyond belief. Star may have 
lost her battle with cancer, but she was victorious in life. Star 
unknowingly strengthened the faith of her family, brought a community 
together in love and support, and captured the hearts of many 
throughout the Nation. As we adjourn today in the House of 
Representatives, let us do so in loving memory of the life of Star 
Nuckolls. May her short but remarkable life continue to bless her 
family and community and all those whose hearts she touched.

                          ____________________