[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 52 (Thursday, March 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E798-E799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING KARIN BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 26, 2009

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor a very special lady from the State of Florida, Karin Brown. She 
has dedicated her life to being an exceptional educator, community 
activist and fighter for Florida's children.
  Karin currently serves as the President of the Florida Parent Teacher 
Association, an organization to which she has dedicated many years of 
service at both the local and state level. A wife to Bill Brown for 
nearly 40 years, mother of five and grandmother of three, she has made 
it her life mission to create a healthy relationship between students, 
parents and teachers and ensuring a stable environment in the classroom 
and at home for children. Her civic involvement includes serving on 
various community advisory boards, governing boards, task forces and as 
a liaison to organizations all focusing on child development, education 
and well being.

[[Page E799]]

  During my years in the Florida State Senate, I worked closely with 
Karin when she was Vice President of Protect America's Children in 
passing the Jennifer Act. This legislation, which I sponsored and 
became law in 1997, makes any credible threat or attempted assault of a 
minor 16 years of age and under a third degree felony.
  In 1982 Karin and her husband found out that they were expecting 
their fifth child. The doctors also handed Karin a life-threatening 
diagnosis of Arterial Vinous Malformation on the left side of her 
brain. Karin and her son survived and one year after giving birth, she 
successfully overcame more than nine hours of brain surgery. She does 
not see her handicap as an ailment; on the contrary, it motivates her 
to continue serving the community and working for children.
  As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in 
congratulating Karin Brown, a woman who lives her life with courage, a 
will to live, and a genuine passion to serve others.

                          ____________________