[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 102 (Friday, June 22, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO MIKE PETERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 22, 2007

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of 
Mike Peters and to thank him for his leadership in the fight against 
cancer. Through his internationally-acclaimed music, his Love Hope 
Strength Foundation, and through his personal victories over cancer, 
Mike Peters has been a source of inspiration and hope to the millions 
affected by cancer around the world.
  Mike Peters is best known as the vocalist of the legendary Welsh rock 
band, The Alarm, whose music has received critical acclaim and 
commercial success worldwide. After being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's 
Lymphoma in 1995, he could have canceled his band's upcoming tour and 
fought his illness in private. Instead, he courageously moved forward 
with the tour and, as Mike has put it, ``went to war with his mind,'' 
wearing his now-famous green combat fatigues throughout the tour, and 
keeping a positive outlook on his life. When he returned, that courage 
and optimism paid off--his condition had reversed and he no longer 
needed treatment.
  Ten years after his first victory over Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, he 
found out he would have another battle ahead. In 2005, he was diagnosed 
with Chronic Lymphocyte Leukemia. These cancers develop within a 
patient's lymphatic system and can be difficult to treat, depending 
when it is caught. Significant strides have been made in finding 
treatments for leukemia and lymphoma, but more must be done to prevent 
these diseases from occurring and to alleviate the suffering of so many 
who are diagnosed with these diseases every year.
  With the same positive attitude and green combat fatigues that 
carried him through his first battle with cancer, Mike did not let his 
diagnosis slow him down. Using his musical talents and network of 
artists, Peters established the Love Hope Strength Foundation to build 
a support network for cancer patients worldwide. The goal of the 
Foundation is to increase funding for cancer research, lighten the 
financial strain of medical care on cancer patients and their families, 
and inform government officials about the concerns of cancer patients. 
Peters continues to maintain a busy tour schedule, giving inspired 
performances and raising awareness about his foundation and the fight 
against cancer.
  Mike Peters should be applauded for not taking his diagnosis without 
a fight. His personal victories over cancer and his foundation's 
programs are giving hope to families and communities worldwide. His 
efforts are an example for how one person can turn his struggles into a 
triumph and an inspiration for others, and it is my privilege to honor 
him here today.

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