[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 156 (Monday, October 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2634]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE ``AMAZING'' GRACE WARREN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 26, 2009

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute today 
to a remarkable woman and my former legislative director who passed 
away this past May following a five-year battle with ovarian cancer--
the ``amazing'' Grace Warren. Today would have been her birthday.
  When I was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1980, I 
knew that Grace had served in key roles for my predecessor, Rep. Ray 
Roberts, and that she had worked on Capitol Hill for many years. I knew 
that her experience and knowledge would be valuable to the Fourth 
District of Texas, and she soon became an indispensable member of my 
staff as well as a good friend. Grace served as a legislative policy 
advisor and legislative director, specializing in health care issues 
along the way. At any time she could have translated her wealth of 
knowledge into a lucrative career in the private sector, but Grace 
chose to remain a dedicated and loyal public servant and a forceful 
advocate for good public policy.
  When referencing Grace or introducing her, it was my custom to refer 
to her as ``Amazing Grace'' because she either always had an answer for 
any question--or she could find it. She was a wonderful mentor to other 
staff and was respected and admired by so many in Washington, D.C., not 
only for her policy expertise but also for her caring heart.
  In 2005 Grace was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and she responded to 
this challenge in characteristic style. She researched as much as 
possible about the disease, consulted experts and patients, and 
prepared for battle on both a personal and policy level. She became a 
spokesperson and resource for ovarian cancer research advocacy groups 
in South Carolina and at the federal level. At the same time, she 
fought her personal battle with this dread disease by enduring 
surgeries, chemotherapy, and relapses--but always with a deep and 
abiding faith in her Creator and an undaunted spirit. Those of us who 
knew Grace marveled at her dignity, courage, strength and ``amazing 
grace'' throughout this difficult time.
  In 2005 the House passed H. Res. 444, the ``Gynecological Resolution 
for Advancement of Ovarian Cancer Education.'' The acronym for this 
bill is ``GRACE,'' for it was with Grace in mind that I introduced this 
bill in Congress. This resolution underscores the seriousness of 
ovarian cancer, which is the fourth leading cause of cancer death among 
women in the United States. To date, unfortunately, only a small 
percentage of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in the early stages. 
More research is needed to develop early detection tools, a reliable 
screening test, prevention methods, enhanced therapies--and a cure.
  Grace would urge us to work toward this goal, and so I urge my 
colleagues to support funding for ovarian cancer research that will 
save countless lives today and in the future. And today I also ask my 
colleagues to join me in paying our last respects to this woman who 
dedicated her life to the betterment of this institution and to our 
Nation and who leaves a legacy of service that will be fondly 
remembered--Grace Warren.

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