[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1524]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING LAUREN HILL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LUKE MESSER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lauren Hill for her 
athletic accomplishments and continued strength in her fight against 
Pediatric Brain Cancer.
  Last year, Lauren was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine 
Glioma, an incurable form of Brain Cancer. The disease has made it 
increasingly difficult for Lauren to fulfill her dream of playing 
college basketball. Yet, this college freshman at Mount St. Joseph 
University persevered and scored four points in her college debut 
earlier this month to help her team defeat Hiram College. Lauren was 
named Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Women's Basketball 
Player of the Week for her performance.
  Lauren is a remarkable young woman, not just because of her athletic 
ability, but for her passion and dedication to live her life to the 
fullest while raising awareness about Pediatric Brain Cancer. Her grace 
and dignity has been a source of strength for children and families 
facing this terrible disease. Lauren has chosen to donate all proceeds 
from the basketball game to The Cure Starts Now, an organization 
working to find a cure for Pediatric Brain Cancer. Though Lauren's 
story has made national headlines, she has remained the same humble and 
tenacious young woman whose story has inspired our nation.
  During the game against Hiram, Lauren said ``I've never felt so good 
in my entire life. Let's not call it my last game. This is my first 
collegiate game.'' This positive attitude should serve as a reminder 
about what we can accomplish even against the most insurmountable odds.
  I ask the entire 6th Congressional District to join me in honoring 
this outstanding young woman for the way she has lived her life and the 
courage with which she has bravely fought this disease.

                          ____________________