[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 108 (Thursday, July 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1144-E1145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING PLEASANTON RELAY FOR LIFE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2013

  Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize 
the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, happening this weekend at 
Pleasanton Valley Middle School.
  Cancer is expected to strike about 1.7 million Americans this year. 
As of January 2012, over 13.7 million people with a history of cancer 
were alive in this country. Sadly, about 580,000 will pass away from 
the disease in 2013.
  While we are doing a lot better than we used to in terms of diagnosis 
and treatment, these numbers show the fight against cancer is far from 
over. That is why this weekend's Relay for Life is such a terrific 
event.
  Participants work as part of relay teams and run or walk around the 
school track; someone from the team is always on the field, for the 
entire two-day event, reminding us that cancer never sleeps either.
  The relay provides an opportunity to applaud those fighting cancer, 
honor people we have lost to the disease, recognize caregivers, and 
raise badly needed funds.
  Relays like this occur worldwide, and over four billion dollars has 
been raised since the first one in May 1985. The dedication and 
fundraising efforts of participants play a critical role in helping 
reach our goal of a future without cancer.
  Cancer is an issue that affects everyone. Through Relay for Life, 
communities around the world unite through the knowledge that they are 
working to help save and prolong lives.
  Events like this show the best of the East Bay--a willingness to come 
together in common cause for a larger purpose. I want to thank the 
event organizers and group supporters: Florine Johnston, Pam Sanchez, 
Miriam Drummond, Stephanie DaVille, Nilo Bartolome, Larry Coy, Haddy 
Coy, Kaitlin Gallagher, Sue Schepers, Kimberly Haynes, Janis Wills, 
Lisa Lundquist, Randy Brown, Lisa Brown, John Swager, Julie Ochiro, the 
American Cancer Society, Valley Medical Oncology Consultants, and the 
Rotary Club of Pleasanton North.
  I wish everyone the best of luck with the relay, and I am proud to 
join them in their battle against cancer.

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