[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 104 (Thursday, July 12, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN HONOR OF THE ERICK J. UMSTEAD MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 12, 2012

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sabrina Umstead 
Smith, and her husband Roosevelt Smith, for their work to provide 
resources and financial support for the families of chronically ill 
children by founding the non-profit organization, The Erick J. Umstead 
Memorial Foundation, Inc.
  In 1988, Sabrina lost her first husband in an apartment fire while 
expecting a child. As a result of oxygen deprivation caused by the 
fire, the child was born with underdeveloped lungs and cerebral palsy. 
Tragically, just three years later her young son succumbed to these 
medical disabilities.
  Sabrina knows the challenges of caring for a chronically ill child. 
Motivated by a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of 
chronically ill children and their parents and caregivers, she founded 
the Erick J. Umstead Memorial Foundation.
  The foundation provides numerous services, to the families of 
chronically ill children, students, and medical professionals. 
Caregivers Count provides grants to financially disadvantaged parents 
and caregivers. Future Health Care Leaders offers scholarships for 
undergraduates who intend to pursue providing care to chronically ill 
pediatrics. The Assistive Technology Program awards grants to hospitals 
and pediatric facilities to purchase specialized equipment and devices 
that facilitate the developmental progress of chronically ill children. 
In addition to financial aid, the foundation also provides a resource 
center for parents on their website, and distributes donated pajamas 
for chronically ill children.
  Mr. Speaker, Sabrina's endless dedication to chronically ill children 
and their families should not go unrecognized. I join all of South 
Jersey in thanking her for her efforts.

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