[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1054]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENSE OF HOUSE REGARDING ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL BRAIN TUMOR 
                            AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. PETER J. ROSKAM

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2008

  Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank the gentlewoman from 
Illinois, Ms. Schakowsky, for her leadership on this issue and for 
bringing this bill to the floor.
  I rise today to support the passage of H. Res. 1124, calling for the 
establishment of a National Brain Tumor Awareness Month.
  Each year, more than 190,000 people in the United States are 
diagnosed with over 120 different types of brain tumors, representing 
the third leading cause of cancer-related death among those aged 20-39. 
However, since brain tumors are not as prevalent as breast, lung and 
other types of cancers, this devastating disease often doesn't get the 
attention and research dollars it deserves.
  That's why I was so impressed when Linda Magiera of Des Plaines, IL, 
came to Congresswoman Schakowsky and me last year to bravely share the 
story of her daughter, Lori Arquilla Anderson's struggle with brain 
cancer. Each day Lori brought her good humor, cheerfulness and love of 
life to her battle with brain cancer, and remained a model for us all 
until the very end.
  Linda's strength and compassion in not only fighting day by day 
alongside her daughter, but also in ultimately turning this tragedy 
into a blessing for others, is an inspiration.
  I was similarly struck by the story of a young man from my 
Congressional District, Reid Colliander, who has worked so hard to turn 
his experience with a brain tumor into an opportunity to raise 
awareness, support research, and help others.
  After being diagnosed and treated for a brain tumor at age 7, Reid 
started Reid's Lemon-AID stand with a group of his friends. Last year, 
they raised $45,000 for the Brain Tumor Research Center at Children's 
Memorial Hospital. This year, they are well on their way to raising 
even more.
  The work Linda Magiera, Reid Colliander and dozens of outstanding 
local and national advocacy groups are doing to raise awareness and 
support research for understanding and treating brain tumors brings 
hope and new energy to the families and individuals affected by this 
disease.
  Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, please join me in 
recognizing the individuals leading these effort to eradicate brain 
tumors and resolving to renew our commitment and redouble our efforts 
in the battle with this devastating disease.

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