[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 114 (Tuesday, September 13, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE LONE STAR CIRCLE OF LIFE BIKE TOUR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 2005

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Lone Star Circle of 
Life Bike Tour for 7 years of successful service to the people of San 
Antonio, Texas.
  The Lone Star Circle of Life Bike Tour is an annual event which 
promotes the gift of life. Twelve cyclists spread the message of blood, 
marrow, organ, and tissue donation throughout the community as they 
ride.
  With the help of Texas donor centers, the twelve cyclists not only 
change lives but save lives too. Each participant rides over 500 miles 
in a 6 day period in honor of someone needing a transplant.
  Each non-professional rider is chosen in the spring specifically by a 
committee made up of the tour director, tour captain, a bone marrow 
coordinator, and a former participant. The rider not only must be 
physically capable to ride the entire tour, but their life must have 
been touched by a donation, meaning the rider or someone from their 
family has made a donation or received one.
  Several stops are made along the way to honor recipients, donors, and 
their families. The stops also give community members the opportunity 
to learn about blood, marrow, organ, and tissue donation. This gives 
the community the chance to speak with someone who has experienced a 
donation.
  The tour brings communities together and recognizes the importance of 
being a donor, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to recognize 
this event here today.

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