[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 55 (Wednesday, April 1, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




APPLAUDING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE TERRENCE CARDINAL COOKE HEALTH CARE 
CENTER AND THE MEMBERS OF THEIR CRUSADE IN THE OCCASION OF THEIR ANNUAL 
                              FLOWER BALL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 1, 2009

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm that 
I rise to acknowledge the contributions of The Terence Cardinal Cooke 
Health Care Center and congratulate them for organizing its Annual 
Flower Ball Benefit Banquet on April 1, 2009. The Ball is in support of 
its dedicated hard working staff, team of volunteers, and most 
importantly, the lives of the its many patients and residents. I 
applaud the vitally important programs they conduct to improve access 
to health care for the medically needy and many under-served 
individuals in my congressional district.
  For the past three decades the Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care 
Center has provided outstanding and compassionate care and treatment 
for the many community residents in my district. Since 1978, it has 
provided continuous comprehensive medical treatment and skilled nursing 
care to infants, children, and young adults who are diagnosed with 
developmental disabilities and demanding medical conditions. The center 
currently provides care and treatment for over 700 residents in my 
district. Additionally, more than 71,000 outpatient clinical services 
are provided each year.
  The Cardinal Cooke Center's approach to quality medical care is what 
has allowed it to prosper into the 21st century of advanced technology 
and medicine. The Center's staff respects the dignity of every human 
being and recognizes each individual's potential to live as 
independently as possible. They provide unique approaches to the care 
and treatment of our residents and patients, and serve the elderly, 
people with developmental disabilities, and those who live with chronic 
illness; people of all races, creeds, economic means and ethnic 
backgrounds.
  This year's Ball holds a unique and special honor--His Eminence 
Edward Cardinal Egan will be acknowledged for his distinguished 
leadership and great dedication in support of compassionate and 
innovative care for some of the most frail and at-risk members of the 
New York community.
  The Cooke Center will also honor The Honorable Louis J. Freeh and 
Barbara Boyle with their coveted Partnership Award, which recognizes 
outstanding community leaders whose life work reflects the mission of 
the Center--to reach out to the disenfranchised and give hope to those 
for whom others have given up hope.
  Judge Louis J. Freeh has dedicated much of his life to serving 
others. As the former director of the FBI or through his personal 
efforts with local charitable institutions, Judge Freeh has 
consistently demonstrated his selfless commitment to those less 
fortunate. After 13 years of committed service, Barbara Boyle is 
retiring as National Executive Director and CEO of the Huntington's 
Disease Society of America. Ms. Boyle's honor coincides with the 20 
year anniversary of the Cooke Center's own Huntington's Disease Unit.
  Daniel Foxx, who serves on the Center's Community Leadership and 
Development Advisory Boards, will receive The Mary White Commitment 
Award, for his years of inspirational volunteer service. His devotion, 
friendship and support is an invaluable gift to the residents of the 
Cooke Center.
  It is my honor to congratulate all the honorees, including His 
Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan. Each has been a significant partner in 
the overall improvement of the quality of life for all. I also salute 
the organizing committee and members of the Cooke Center's staff for 
its efforts in coordinating the Annual Flower Ball Benefit where many 
other members of their crusade will publicly be acknowledged.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in honoring and congratulating The Terrance Cardinal Cooke Health Care 
Center for continuing to serve the residents of my district with the 
greatest challenges such as children with disabilities, elderly with 
severe medical needs, Huntington's Disease patients, HIV/AIDS, as well 
as those who require outpatient primary care services. Their constant 
dedication and commitment in providing quality health care with dignity 
and compassion is worthy of the highest esteem.

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