[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 51 (Thursday, March 26, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H2098]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               UPLIFTING STORIES FROM THE CINCINNATI AREA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Rouzer). Under the Speaker's announced 
policy of January 6, 2015, the Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio 
(Mr. Chabot) for 30 minutes.
  Mr. CHABOT. I will not take that much time.
  Mr. Speaker, there seems to be a lot of bad news these days and 
negative stories, but I would like to take this opportunity to 
highlight some uplifting stories from the Cincinnati area, the area 
that I happen to represent here in the United States Congress.
  First, I would like to congratulate a Cincinnati broadcasting legend 
on a storied career. A week from tomorrow, Friday, April 3, Cincinnati 
will say good-bye to a longtime morning show host, Jim Scott, who is 
retiring after 47 years on the radio in Cincinnati.
  Over the years, Mr. Scott has been synonymous with mornings, as 
hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Cincinnatians started their 
day listening to him cover the topics of the day. From politics and 
local news to entertainment and sports, Jim Scott covered every story 
in a style uniquely his own. His excellence was recognized back in 2002 
when he won the Marconi Award for large market personality of the year.
  Jim Scott has also been a pillar of the community, helping out with 
numerous charities and community service organizations, activities I am 
sure that he will continue. He has become a staple of the opening day 
parade for the Cincinnati Reds, who I hope have a great year this year.
  I want to congratulate Jim Scott on his retirement and his 
outstanding career. Mornings in Cincinnati will not be the same without 
him.
  Mr. Speaker, Cincinnati has also been blessed by the inspiring 
stories of two young ladies battling pediatric cancer, and I would like 
to take a moment to thank each of them for the example that they have 
provided and the hope that they have given to millions.
  First, I would like to talk about Lauren Hill. For those who haven't 
heard Lauren's story, there really aren't words to describe her courage 
and resiliency in the face of insurmountable odds. Lauren loves to play 
basketball, a sport she had planned to play throughout her college 
years at Mount St. Joseph University. Unfortunately, Lauren was 
diagnosed with a rare form of inoperable, terminal brain cancer, DIPG, 
and doctors really weren't sure how long she would live.
  For most people, the story would end there, but not for Lauren. She 
was determined to play in a college basketball game, and back on 
November 2, she joined her teammates on the court, and in front of a 
sold-out crowd at Xavier University's Cintas Center, she scored the 
opening basket.
  That wasn't enough for Lauren. She also wanted to dedicate her 
remaining time to raising awareness of pediatric cancer. Through Layup 
4 Lauren and other charitable efforts, she has helped raise over $1 
million for research to combat pediatric cancer.
  Mr. Speaker, I like to believe that each one of us is put on this 
Earth for a reason, and it is clear to me that Lauren's purpose was to 
inspire a city and a nation and to raise awareness for a terrible 
disease, a purpose she has fulfilled with a dignity and grace that is 
an inspiration to me and countless others. I am deeply grateful for 
Lauren's spirit and the example that she has provided for our community 
and for our Nation.

                              {time}  1330

  Our thoughts and prayers are with Lauren and her family.
  But Lauren is not the only young lady with Cincinnati ties inspiring 
our Nation. We have also been blessed to learn the story of Leah Still, 
the 4-year-old daughter of Cincinnati Bengals' defensive lineman Devon 
Still.
  Last year, Leah was also diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric 
cancer. Faced with this devastating news, Devon Still was determined to 
help his little girl in whatever way he could. Part of his effort was 
to use their story to help raise money to combat pediatric cancer and 
give hope to other families facing the same struggle they were.
  The Cincinnati Bengals and the NFL joined Mr. Still in his efforts by 
agreeing to donate the proceeds of sales of Devon's number 75 Bengals 
jersey to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, which, by the way, is the 
number one children's hospital in the Nation in combating pediatric 
cancer. Together, they also raised over $1 million for pediatric cancer 
research.
  While that is certainly great news, the story has an even happier 
ending. Yesterday, I, along with millions of others, was thrilled to 
learn that Leah's cancer was in remission.
  Leah still has treatments ahead of her, and she should remain in our 
thoughts and prayers. But that was wonderful news, and a reason to be 
grateful.
  May God bless all three of the remarkable people that I have just 
talked about.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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