[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 191 (Tuesday, December 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2241-E2242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2011 LIFECIRCLE ALLIANCES KUDOS FOR 
                           CAREGIVERS AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 13, 2011

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
winners of the 2011 LifeCircle Alliances Kudos for Community Caregivers 
Awards. LifeCircle Alliances, a non-profit organization based in 
Fairfax County, Virginia, is a leader in promoting and enabling 
independent living for older and adults with developmental, 
intellectual, or physical disabilities, including our Wounded Warriors.
  LifeCircle Alliances has created innovative public-private 
partnerships with its 45 members including businesses, individuals, 
educational facilities, philanthropic organizations and government 
agencies to showcase and raise money for creative and cost-effective 
long-term care solutions. The funds raised and the efforts of the 
LifeCircle partners help to create innovative long-term care 
initiatives, enhance existing programs, and address workforce, mobility 
and transportation issues. The goal of these efforts is independence 
for life; ensuring that our older adults and adults with disabilities 
are able to live independently and with dignity in their communities of 
choice.
  The LifeCircle Alliances Kudos for Community Caregivers Award 
celebration recognizes the efforts of five outstanding caregivers, who 
provide dedicated care, day in and day out. The recipients of the 2011 
Kudos Awards are:
  Inas Eldarwish--For years, Inas and her husband Ayman provided care 
to their two disabled sons, Ahmed and Hazem. Sadly, Ahmed passed away 
several years ago. The grace with which Inas handled this tragic loss 
was remarkable. Through her mourning, she has remained a dedicated and 
selfless mom to Hazem supporting his interests and helping him reach 
his full potential.
  The Belvoir Woods Healthcare Center Family Council at The Fairfax 
(BWHCC)--This council is comprised entirely of volunteer family 
caregivers of current or former BWHCC residents. Through their efforts, 
residents at Belvoir Woods enjoy guest speaker programs and quality of 
life resources such as dog therapy visits, loaner scooters, and 
wheelchairs. They also are able to keep in touch with out-of-area 
family and friends through the use of free Wi-Fi.
  Linda Walthall and Family--Through considerable adversity Linda and 
Frank Walthall have provided exceptional care for the last 7 years to 
her elderly mother, who requires 24 hour supervision. It is this 
selfless devotion to family that warrants her recognition as an 
exceptional caregiver.
  Colonel Christine Ingle (Rtd)--Col. Ingle has served as a volunteer 
mentor and caregiver to our Wounded Warriors at Fort Belvoir. She 
recently has started a program for Veterans who are interested in 
pursuing careers in the healthcare field after their discharge from the 
Warrior Transition Unit.

[[Page E2242]]

  Deborah Dodge--Despite personal obstacles, Deborah has gone above and 
beyond in single-handedly providing care to her adult son for the last 
12 years. Deborah's son is severely ill, and requires 24/7 care. She 
has served on the Northern Virginia Mental Health Board, and is an 
exceptional caretaker and maintains her positive and cheerful attitude 
despite the hardships that she faces.
  I congratulate today's winners and recognize each of them for their 
devotion and personal sacrifices. These individuals are examples of the 
many thousands of caregivers who put the needs of their families, 
friends and colleagues above their own. I also would like to applaud 
the efforts of LifeCircle Alliances. As a strong advocate for public-
private partnerships, I commend LifeCircle Alliances for its creative 
approach to addressing these very important challenges within our 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to 
today's awardees and in thanking the volunteers, staff, and partners of 
LifeCircle Alliance for their efforts in providing assistance to not 
only those in need of care, but to those who provide the care here in 
our community.

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