[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 132 (Thursday, September 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1569]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO ROSA ELIA MARTINEZ LINEWEAVER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 8, 2011

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to Elia Martinez Lineweaver, a loving wife, a caring mother, a 
longtime medical assistant and translator and, along with her husband, 
John, the co-founder of the Danny Foundation for Crib and Child Product 
Safety. Sadly, Rose passed away suddenly on September 3, 2011, after a 
life dedicated to her family and the causes she championed.
  Born in Mexico in 1942, Rose came here with her mother and siblings 
at the age of 5, and in 1961 became a naturalized citizen of the United 
States. While she was proud of her career as a health care provider, 
her true passion stemmed from her role as mother to thirteen children.
  In 1984, a tragic crib accident left Rose and John's 23-month-old son 
Danny severely disabled. After this tragedy the Lineweavers formed The 
Danny Foundation for Crib and Child Product Safety. During its 20 years 
of international activity, The Danny Foundation created and advocated 
for safety regulations which defined for the very first time how U.S. 
crib makers should safely manufacture cribs. Additionally, they pursued 
legal remedies and sought changes from industry and government in the 
design, advertising, inspection, use, and sale of infant cribs. Their 
tireless work over the years has saved untold thousands of infants from 
injury and even death.
  In 2006, Rose received the Jefferson Award for public service for her 
life-saving efforts, and over the years was honored by notices in the 
Congressional Record, the receipt of personal letters of thanks from 
the White House and many of my colleagues here in Congress, as well as 
from state legislators from seven states in which infant crib safety 
legislation was passed thanks to the Danny Foundation's efforts.
  Those who knew Rose Lineweaver will attest to the fact that her true 
legacy is in her exceptional family: 12 children, 27 grandchildren and 
13 great grandchildren. For those of us who had the privilege of 
working with Rose and John through the Danny Foundation, we can be 
thankful for her resilience and determination that created a safer 
environment for our youngest children. This was truly her gift to all 
families.

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