[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 126 (Thursday, November 9, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1990-E1991]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO DR. MEL GOLDSTEIN AS HE CELEBRATES HIS 10TH ANNIVERSARY AS A 
                            CANCER SURVIVOR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 9, 2006

  Ms. DeLauro Mr. Speaker, in each of our communities we have local 
celebrities and there is always one to which we feel most akin--that 
personality that touches your life in a way that you never expected. 
For me, and for residents across Connecticut, that person is Dr. Mel 
Goldstein, meteorologist for WTNH News Channel 8. Tonight, family, 
friends, colleagues, and community leaders have gathered to celebrate a 
very special occasion for Dr. Mel--his 10th anniversary as a cancer 
survivor. This is a remarkable milestone--one which I am honored to 
share with him.
  Dr. Mel, as he is affectionately known by all Connecticut residents, 
has been welcomed into thousands of homes over the years. He is more 
than just our weatherman--he is our friend. You can only imagine how 
stunned we all were when Dr. Mel announced that he had been diagnosed 
with multiple myeloma, an incurable but treatable cancer of the plasma 
cell. With a strength and determination that continues to inspire all 
of us, Dr. Mel shared his story with the world and in the 10 years 
since his diagnosis has brought much needed attention to this disease, 
the technological advancements in treatments that are available, and 
about living and coping with myeloma.
  In bringing his personal battle with multiple myeloma to the public, 
Dr. Mel brought light to this rare disease and hope to the thousands of 
Americans, as well as their families and loved ones, who have been 
diagnosed with this cancer. Driven by his determination to win this 
fight, Dr. Mel established the Dr. Mel Goldstein Multiple Myeloma Fund 
at the Yale Cancer Center. Donating all proceeds from his speaking 
engagements as well as those from the two editions of his book, The 
Complete Idiot's Guide to the Weather, in the 7 years since its 
establishment, the Fund has raised thousands of dollars which have been 
directed to ongoing research and clinical trials that target this 
incurable form of cancer.
  As a cancer survivor myself, I have the deepest respect and 
admiration for Dr. Mel and his willingness to be so open about 
something so personal and a health concern that can be the most 
frightening experience of your life. In describing himself, he uses the 
words optimistic, positive, and persistent--I cannot think of a more 
fitting description. Perhaps what has been most inspiring about his 10-
year battle with myeloma is that we have

[[Page E1991]]

never seen him without that engaging smile and good-natured laugh. He 
has and continues to face the challenges of this disease with integrity 
and determination--he is one of a kind!
  The late Rabbi Jerome Malino of Danbury, Connecticut once said, ``It 
is much better to live one's life as an optimist and be wrong, than a 
pessimist and be right.'' This has been the motto by which Dr. Mel has 
not only approached his life, but his battle with cancer as well. He 
has given us all reason to be optimistic that we will find what we all 
seek--a cure. It is my great pleasure to rise today to salute Dr. Mel 
Goldstein for all that he has and will accomplish towards that goal. I 
am pleased to join his wife, Arlene, family, friends, and colleagues in 
extending my heartfelt congratulations on this very special occasion as 
well as my very best wishes for continued health and happiness.

                          ____________________