[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 149 (Thursday, October 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN REMEMBRANCE OF RICHARD C. SHADYAC SR.

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 15, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Richard 
C. Shadyac Sr. who served on the Board of Directors and Governors of 
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the American Lebanese Syrian 
Associated Charities (ALSAC) for more than forty years. Mr. Shadyac had 
a true passion and devotion to the children and families that fight 
catastrophic pediatric diseases at St. Jude Children's Research 
Hospital.
  Mr. Shadyac began his illustrious and influential career as a member 
of ALSAC and of St. Jude Hospital Boards of Directors and Governors in 
1963. He also served as ALSAC's general counsel. In 1992, after the 
passing of Danny Thomas, the founder of St. Jude Children's Research 
Hospital, Mr. Shadyac became the CEO of ALSAC. Upon taking on his new 
leadership role, Mr. Shadyac worked tirelessly to continue the legacy 
and dream of his friend, Danny Thomas who said, ``No child should die 
in the dawn of life.'' Mr. Shadyac served as the CEO until his 
retirement in 2005.
  During the 13 years he led ALSAC, public funding for St. Jude 
Children's Research Hospital quadrupled. By 2005, ALSAC had become the 
third largest health-care charity in the U.S. and is currently the 
second largest. During Mr. Shadyac's tenure, St. Jude Children's 
Research Hospital was also able to undergo a $1 billion expansion that 
strengthened the hospital's capacity to focus on patient and family 
care and to conduct research for children with catastrophic diseases. 
His compassion and dedication to provide free care for the children and 
families who seek treatment was immeasurable and the driving force of 
his work.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembrance of 
Richard Shadyac Sr. who spent years of his life working on behalf of 
the countless sick and struggling children who come to St. Jude 
Children's Research Hospital to fight, treat and care for what are 
often life threatening illnesses. It is clear that without his 
dedication and hard work, the triumphs in research, treatment and 
patient and family care that the hospital provides would not be 
possible. Mr. Shadyac will be missed by those whose lives were in some 
way touched by him.

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