[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 42 (Thursday, March 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E351-E352]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING STEVEN FIRESTEIN AND THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN 
          CANCER FUND FOR CHILDREN AND KIDS CANCER CONNECTION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 2013

  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
the American Cancer Fund for Children and Kids Cancer Connection on the 
occasion of their 20th anniversary, and to recognize them for their 
invaluable contributions to the cancer community.
   The City of Thousand Oaks, in my Congressional district of Ventura 
County, has proclaimed April 13-20 as ``Childhood Cancer Awareness 
Week.'' I am pleased to join Mayor Claudia Bill-de-La Pena in thanking 
Steven Firestein, the founder of American Cancer Fund for Children and 
its sister organization, Kids Cancer Connection, for his dedication and 
compassion, which has helped thousands of children living with this 
terrible disease.
   The American Cancer Fund for Children and the Kids Cancer Connection 
provide vital psychosocial services for children undergoing cancer 
treatment at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles County; 
University of Southern California Medical Center; Mattel Children's 
Hospital at Ronald Reagan-University of California Los Angeles Medical 
Center, and other hospitals across the United States.
   Over the past twenty years, the American Cancer Fund for Children 
has given over 40,000 handmade, decorated hats and caps to

[[Page E352]]

young cancer patients who have lost their hair from chemotherapy and 
radiation. Initiatives like the Magical Caps for Kids program help lift 
the spirits and boost the self-esteem of children undergoing exhaustive 
and painful courses of treatment. The American Cancer Fund for Children 
also sponsors the Courageous Kid Award, which organizes ceremonies and 
hospital celebrations to recognize a child's bravery and determination 
in fighting the battle against childhood cancer.
   Kids Cancer Connection provides educational resources to the public 
and strives to raise public awareness about childhood cancer.
   I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Steven Firestein for 
his remarkable efforts on behalf of the thousands of children and 
families affected by childhood cancer.

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