[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 62 (Monday, May 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E595-E596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO CRAIG AND SHIRLEY PHINNEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 6, 2013

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize 
Craig and Shirley Phinney for being named a 2013 Hero of the Heartland 
by the American Red Cross serving Greater Iowa.
   Each year, the American Red Cross serving Greater Iowa recognizes 
Heroes of the Heartland by selecting everyday Iowans who have done 
extraordinary things to help their neighbors and communities. The 
Iowans honored with this prestigious award displayed selflessness in a 
variety of courageous, charitable and thoughtful acts. The Heroes of 
the Heartland program not only showcases the heroes among us, but also 
helps raise crucial funds to ensure that the American Red Cross is 
prepared and equipped to assist those that need food, shelter, and 
comfort during emergencies and difficult times.
   The lives of Craig and Shirley Phinney changed forever one Friday 
evening in 2009 when Craig, a police officer and military veteran, was 
diagnosed with colorectal cancer. After seeing the struggles and 
sacrifices of other cancer patients firsthand, the Phinneys started the 
Cops Against Cancer organization to provide financial assistance to 
cancer patients and their families that are burdened by the unexpected 
and overwhelming expenses associated with cancer treatments. Craig and 
Shirley's organization assists with costs that are not typically 
covered by insurance, such as lodging and travel expenses for medical 
appointments, specialized treatments, and various monthly home 
expenses. Cops Against Cancer has assisted more than 125 families in 41 
of Iowa's 99 counties, seven families outside of the state, and even a 
family as far away as Quebec, Canada. In one particular instance, the 
organization was able to help absorb the travel costs of a 72-year-old 
patient who had to travel 80 miles one-way for treatment because her 
local medical facility had been damaged by a tornado. In addition to 
their financial assistance, Craig and Shirley also provide the families 
and medical staffs of patients with their personal phone numbers to be 
able to assist at any hour of the day or night. The Phinneys' 
commitment to ``protect and serve'' their community is present in all 
facets of their lives, and it truly embodies what it means to be a 
hero. These wonderful Iowans have set a shining example that our state 
can be proud of.
   Mr. Speaker, Mr. and Mrs. Phinneys' actions that earned them each 
the title a ``Hero of the Heartland'' are a testament to the humble, 
hardworking and helpful people who make up the great state of Iowa. I 
invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Craig 
and Shirley on a job well done, thanking the American Red Cross serving 
Greater Iowa for their life changing efforts, and wishing all of those 
involved in the Heroes of the Heartland program continued success for 
years to come.

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