[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 24, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1607]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING STEPHANIE HUNT, MRS. UNITED STATES 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 24, 2007

  Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate 
Stephanie Hunt of Pittsfield Township, Michigan. Mrs. Hunt was recently 
crowned Mrs. United States 2007.
  Though winning the title of Mrs. United States is an intrinsically 
praiseworthy event, Mrs. Hunt's coronation is especially significant 
for two reasons. Not only is she the first woman from Michigan to win 
in the pageant's 2l-year history, but she is also the first African 
American to ever win the title. It is for these reasons that I want to 
call attention to this woman's remarkable accomplishments.
  As a spokesperson for and executive committee member of the National 
Organization for Rare Diseases, Mrs. Hunt has been a tireless advocate 
for patients suffering from rare diseases. She is especially interested 
in raising awareness of Rubenstein-Taybi syndrome, a rare developmental 
disorder that afflicts her four-year-old son, Donnie. Winning the title 
of Mrs. United States has given Mrs. Hunt the opportunity to bring this 
and other diseases to national prominence.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that all of my colleagues join me in commending 
Mrs. Hunt not only for winning Mrs. United States, but also for her 
advocacy on behalf of the 25 million Americans suffering from rare 
disorders. She serves as a role model for married women across the 
nation, ``encouraging them to strive for their dreams throughout each 
season of life.''

                          ____________________