[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 165 (Friday, November 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                NANCY PILVER BREAST CANCER HEROINE AWARD

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                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 6, 2009

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Margarita ``Maggie'' Gardner of Hartford, Connecticut, to whom I was 
honored to present the Nancy Pilver Breast Cancer Heroine Award.
  Each year, I present the Nancy Pilver Breast Cancer Heroine Award to 
a resident of Connecticut's First Congressional District who has 
displayed extraordinary dedication to the issue of breast cancer 
through education, prevention, treatment, and awareness. The award is 
named in honor of Nancy Pilver, formerly of Manchester, Connecticut, 
and the first recipient of the award.
  In 2006, Maggie contacted my office to request assistance with her 
Social Security Disability Claim. Her dire needs required that her 
claim be expedited. Thankfully, Social Security was receptive to our 
request and as a result, Maggie was able to win her fight against 
breast cancer and carry on her life without difficult financial 
ramifications.
  Maggie's successful fight against breast cancer has inspired her to 
help others battling various types of cancer. Maggie started the 
Gardner House, a non-profit organization with the goal of providing a 
one-stop center for cancer patients to receive guidance and assistance 
in their fight against the disease. Its mission statement is ``to 
assist the cancer patient and their family to return to a normal, 
healthy and productive life in their community.'' Included among the 
Gardner House's many objectives are referrals to state and local 
agencies, medication expenses and general financial assistance, housing 
assistance, transportation to medical appointments, and counseling and 
emotional support groups.
  Perhaps one of the Gardner House's most successful stories involved 
Elizabeth Hurd, Maggie's first referral. Elizabeth underwent a severe 
struggle with uterine cancer, and eventually overcame the disease.
  During her fight she was unable to schedule a disability hearing, 
resulting in the loss of her apartment and rental assistance, and most 
of her belongings. After being placed in contact with Maggie, and 
through the assistance of the Gardner House and my office, she was able 
to schedule a disability hearing. Elizabeth, grateful for the help she 
received, aptly calls Maggie ``her angel.''
  We in Connecticut's First Congressional District are extremely 
grateful for Maggie's extensive efforts, and she is very deserving of 
this year's Nancy Pilver Breast Cancer Heroine Award.

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