[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 34 (Thursday, February 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  JULIE ROGERS ``GIFT OF LIFE'' PROGRAM AND THEIR ``SPIRIT OF LOVE'' 
                             AWARD WINNERS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 2009

  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to pay tribute to 
the Julie Rogers ``Gift of Life'' Program and the recipients of their 
``Spirit of Love'' awards for their commitment to the fight against 
cancer and dedication to assisting the medically underserved in 
Southeast Texas.
  The Julie Rogers ``Gift of Life'' Program, established in 1994 by 
Regina Rogers, began as a tribute to her mother, a breast cancer 
survivor. Originally providing free mammograms to women, shortly 
afterwards they expanded to prostate screenings for men and cancer 
education outreach. Since then, they have provided over 13,500 
mammograms and over 4,500 prostate screenings while conducting over 450 
educational presentations. The Program has helped extend the lives of 
more than 135 people who found cancer after one of their screenings. 
They grew from their humble beginnings into one of the largest cancer 
screening and awareness organizations of its type in Texas.
  Each year at their annual board meeting, the ``Gift of Life'' Program 
presents both an individual and corporate ``Spirit of Love'' Awards to 
honor those that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help 
fight cancer and spread awareness. This year, the late Todd Christopher 
was awarded the Julie Rogers ``Spirit of Love'' Award, while the TOTAL 
Port Arthur Refinery was presented with the Corporate ``Spirit of 
Love'' Award. Both deserve the recognition for their dedication and 
commitment to the community.
  Todd Christopher was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. After 
graduating from Texas A&M University, Todd moved back home with an 
entrepreneur spirit and co-founded four businesses, bringing hundreds 
of jobs to the area. He served on a number of boards across the area 
and as co-chairman of the Julie and Ben Rogers Cancer Foundation Drive. 
He somehow found enough time to dedicate a large part of his life to 
his wife Gerry and children Clayton and Gary. He has coached their 
sports teams and supported their scholastic endeavors. Cancer 
tragically cut Todd's life short in 2008 but his spirit lives on. The 
work he did for Southeast Texas will last forever.
  The TOTAL Port Arthur Refinery was recognized for exhibiting 
outstanding community leadership and reducing health disparities among 
Southeast Texans. The refinery, built in 1936 and acquired by the 
French company TOTAL in 1973, has taken a proactive role in fighting 
cancer. Through their annual sponsorship of ``Gift of Life'' breast and 
prostate cancer initiatives, they have provided over 600 women and more 
than 1,800 men with free mammograms and prostate screenings. They alone 
have helped extend the lives of seven women and nine men whose cancer 
was detected at ``Gift of Life'' screenings. They have also made a 
commitment to Southeast Texas by embarking on a $2.2 billion dollar 
expansion of their refinery, increasing their refining capacity and 
adding 60 new full time jobs.
  On behalf of the Second Congressional District of Texas I would like 
to thank the Julie Rogers ``Gift of Life'' Program, the family of Todd 
Christopher, and the TOTAL Port Arthur Refinery for all their work in 
fighting cancer and spreading awareness. Their efforts have made 
Southeast Texas a better place to live and work.

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