[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 76 (Tuesday, May 31, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO CEDRIC ALLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 31, 2011

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize Cedric Allen, a leader in helping to support struggling 
families and an instrumental person in the battle against premature 
births, birth defects, and unhealthy pregnancies. Cedric lives in 
Allen, Texas, a suburb just north of Dallas, and serves as a security 
officer at the Trammel Crow Center in downtown Dallas.
  During his high school years in Mansfield, Louisiana, Cedric had a 
brief interaction with the March of Dimes. Throughout the progression 
of his adulthood he saw many people that he knew personally have 
premature births. It was then that Cedric knew that he had to make a 
difference. He rose to become an advocate for the March of Dimes. 
Raising over $250,000 for the March of Dimes foundation, Cedric has 
become the top individual fundraiser for the March of Dimes Dallas 
Division for the past 14 years. Cedric has also been ranked as the no. 
4 walker in the state of Texas and ranks 12th in the nation.
  Cedric understands the importance of research for pregnancies and 
infant health. Prematurity is the leading cause of death before one 
year of age. 1 out of 7 babies are born prematurely in Texas each year 
compared to 1 out of 8 babies throughout the U.S.
  Premature birth can have lifelong consequences including cerebral 
palsy, hearing, vision and breathing problems.
  Cedric continues to work towards advancing research and community 
programs belonging to the March of Dimes. Hundreds have benefited from 
Cedric's tireless efforts at fundraising and his many other 
contributions.
  Mr. Speaker, I take great pride in joining his friends and colleagues 
to salute an extraordinary leader, Cedric Allen.

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