[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 96 (Thursday, June 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE MEMORY OF STEPHANIE N. STEELE

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 14, 2007

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate 
the life of Stephanie N. Steele, of Port St. Lucie, Florida. Ms. Steele 
was a very talented artist who died recently at just 21 years of age, 
after fighting a long and valiant battle against cystic fibrosis. I 
first became aware of her great courage and remarkable skill in 2002, 
when she was the subject of a feature story in The Palm Beach Post.
  Despite her disability, Ms. Steele remained optimistic throughout her 
short life. She painted beautiful murals that attracted widespread 
attention and brought cheer to everyone who knew her. Ms. Steele was 
known for her sparkling personality and her sweet demeanor. In addition 
to her art, she was an accomplished writer, compiling 27 journals about 
her life. She underwent two lung transplants, both of which her body 
rejected.
  I join her family and friends in grieving this great loss. It is 
because of such tragedies that I serve on the Cystic Fibrosis Caucus in 
the House of Representatives. I will continue to fight for more funding 
for research into a cure for cystic fibrosis and related diseases.
  We all owe a debt of gratitude to Stephanie Steele for what she 
taught us about living with dignity and never admitting defeat. The 
best way we can honor her memory is to rededicate ourselves to finding 
a cure for cystic fibrosis so that no one else is taken from us before 
they can fulfill their life's potential.

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