[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 183 (Wednesday, December 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1806]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                          MRS. SUZANNE WRIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL F. DOYLE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 16, 2015

  Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I recently learned 
that Suzanne Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks and a member of the 
organization's board, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer Suzanne 
is taking a leave of absence from her work with Autism Speaks to focus 
on her medical care.
  In 2005, Suzanne and Bob Wright co-founded Autism Speaks after their 
grandson Christian was diagnosed with autism. Over the last ten years, 
Autism Speaks has become a world leader in educating people about 
autism spectrum disorder and advocating for individuals with autism.
  Since Autism Speaks' founding, Suzanne has led the organization's 
signature global awareness initiatives. She was instrumental in 
establishing April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day by the United 
Nations, for example, and she launched the global Light It Up Blue 
campaign and established World Focus on Autism, Autism Speaks' annual 
meeting of First Ladies from around the globe.
  Suzanne has been a tireless advocate for autistic individuals and 
their families. She is known to countless families for her personal 
notes and generosity, as well as for her leadership and support of many 
Autism Speaks Walks around the country. I urge my colleagues to keep 
Suzanne in their thoughts and prayers and to continue to be motivated 
by her example.

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