[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 140 (Thursday, September 20, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11850-S11851]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF JANET TURCOTTE

 Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I wish to recognize one of my 
constituents, Janet Turcotte of Bowie, Maryland. I was fortunate to 
meet Janet in March of this year when she visited my Washington office. 
She came as part of C3, the Colorectal Cancer Coalition, a group whose 
mission is to eliminate suffering and death due to colorectal cancer.
  Janet is a talented embroiderer, and for more than 20 years she has 
been decorating saddlecloths for the thoroughbreds at Maryland's 
Pimlico Race Course. For the past 2 years, she has added the colorectal 
cancer ``Blue Star of Hope'' to the saddlecloths of the contenders for 
the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico. Recognizing that the Preakness has 
more than 17 million television viewers each year, Janet aims to use 
this symbol to encourage early screening for colorectal cancer, and to 
save lives. Janet graciously brought me one of those ``Blue Star'' 
saddlecloths, which is now displayed in my personal office.
  Janet Turcotte is far more than an advocate for colorectal health. 
She is also a patient. First diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer 
4 years ago, she is currently battling her third recurrence of the 
disease. Last week, Janet's doctors told her that she does not have 
much time left.
  Janet's message to Congress and to all Americans is an urgent and 
important one. It is that early screening, diagnosis and treatment of 
colon cancer can save lives. The American Cancer Society, whose members 
will visit Capitol Hill soon, reports that in 2006, more than 150,000 
new cases of colon cancer were diagnosed and more than 50,000 Americans 
died from the disease, including more than 1,000 Marylanders.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our appreciation to Janet 
Turcotte, a dedicated and courageous advocate for colorectal health, 
for her

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selfless efforts to promote a healthier America.

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