[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 37 (Friday, March 11, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE BEVIN KALATHIL VARUGHESE MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

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                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 11, 2011

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to seek Congressional 
recognition of the vital mission and achievements of the Bevin Kalathil 
Varughese Memorial Foundation (BKV). The BKV Memorial Foundation has 
been instrumental in raising awareness and resources for individuals 
battling leukemia. The Foundation's creation was inspired by the 
remarkable life of one of my constituents, Bevin Kalathil Varughese--a 
life which was tragically cut short following an unsuccessful bout with 
this terrible disease.
  Born in Manhasset, New York, Bevin Kalathil Varughese was an 
affectionate individual and a cherished son, brother, nephew, cousin, 
and uncle. An extraordinarily motivated young man, Bevin graduated from 
Herricks High School in New York and went on to earn his Bachelor's 
Degree in Finance and Real Estate from Temple University in 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His cheerfulness, generosity, and love of 
life were evident to all who knew him; his personality touched all who 
were close to him.
  Bevin's drive and good-nature were unwavering--even when he was 
diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in January 2004 at the age 
of 24. Although Bevin fluctuated between relapse and remission for four 
years, he refused to let the disease dampen his spirits or weaken his 
will. Instead, Bevin focused his energy on researching the disease and 
the resources available to those it afflicts. By working with his 
family and friends, he created the South Asian Cancer Foundation (SACF) 
which advocates for leukemia awareness, particularly within the South 
Asian-American community. Bevin was also involved in a variety of other 
organizations dealing with the disease and those affected by it--he 
hosted fundraisers to benefit both the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 
(LLS) and the SACF, took part in the LLS Light the Night Walk, and 
organized numerous blood and bone marrow drives.
  Although Bevin eventually lost his battle with leukemia on February 
7th, 2008 at the all-too-young age of 28, his passion and legacy live 
on through the Bevin Kalathil Varughese Memorial Foundation. The BKV 
Memorial Foundation was created in 2008 to both preserve Bevin's memory 
and to continue his work with the South Asian Cancer Foundation. The 
Foundation's mission is to raise awareness about acute lymphoblastic 
leukemia and other blood-related diseases. This non-profit organization 
provides resources to those suffering from leukemia and to their 
families. The assistance comes in the form of support for leukemia 
patients, financial aid for those who cannot afford treatment, and 
donations for research to find a cure for the disease. The BKV 
Foundation works tirelessly to raise funding through countless charity 
events and organizations. It has also reached out to the greater 
community by encouraging individuals to register with the National 
Marrow Donor Program (NMDP).
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the achievements and dedication 
of the Bevin Kalathil Varughese Memorial Foundation. Through its 
attempts to preserve and honor Bevin's memory, this Foundation is 
making a positive and lasting impact on countless lives. I ask that my 
colleagues in the House join me in recognition of the achievements of 
the Bevin Kalathil Varughese Memorial Foundation.

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