[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 4 (Thursday, January 7, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H107-H108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING DR. SHARON ELLIOTT-BYNUM, A TRAILBLAZER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my condolences on the 
passing of a giant in the Durham, North Carolina, community, a 
trailblazer, one who dedicated her life to improving health outcomes 
for disadvantaged citizens, including veterans.
  This trailblazer, Mr. Speaker, was my friend, Dr. Sharon Elliott-
Bynum. Sharon passed away on Sunday, January 3, at the young age of 58, 
2 days before her 59th birthday.
  We lost this giant far too soon, but not before she revolutionized 
the delivery of care for those in need through the founding of Durham's 
first free-standing, comprehensive healthcare clinic, called Healing 
with CAARE.
  My first visit as Durham's Congressman was an enlightening visit to 
CAARE. I saw Sharon at work, I saw paid staff, and I saw dozens of 
community volunteers. We mourn this tremendous loss, but we also 
celebrate Sharon's remarkable life, which was replete with the success 
that many can only hope to achieve.
  Born in Durham, Sharon Elliott-Bynum was a graduate of Northern High 
School, Durham Technical Institute, the Watts School of Nursing, and my 
alma mater, North Carolina Central University. She also received a 
master's degree and a Ph.D. from Victory International College.
  Sharon was a dedicated member of a great sorority, Delta Sigma Theta 
Sorority, Inc. As a member of the Durham Alumnae Chapter, founded in 
1931, she led by example. Sharon was also a member of the National 
Council of Negro Women, of Sigma Theta Tau International, of the Top 
Ladies of Distinction, and of many more service organizations. Finally, 
she was a faithful member of the Faith Assembly Christian Center in 
Durham.
  Dr. Elliott-Bynum was attracted to the field of nursing when she, at 
the age of 16, began volunteering at the historic Lincoln Community 
Health Center. Sharon's volunteerism motivated her to pursue a nursing 
career. So, in 1995, Dr. Elliott-Bynum and her late sister, Patricia--
``Pat'' she called her--founded Healing with CAARE, Inc.
  What began as a nonprofit, community-based provider of services for 
individuals who were living with HIV expanded to being the primary 
healthcare home for more than 1,000 individuals who live with cancer, 
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. CAARE

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also provides free dental care, substance abuse counseling, a food 
pantry, and free housing for homeless veterans.
  Her remarkable work has been honored over the years through many 
awards and recognitions. They include The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, 
which is the highest civilian honor presented by the Governor; the 
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Veterans Braintrust Award; the 
NCCU Distinguished Alumni Award; and the Durham Chamber of Commerce 
Women's Leadership Award.
  Dr. Elliott-Bynum's lifetime of tireless work and service to 
thousands of disadvantaged individuals had an immeasurable impact on 
the Durham community, a grateful community that joins me today in 
celebrating this life.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our recognition to Dr. 
Sharon Elliott-Bynum's two children, Ebony Elliott-Covington and Damien 
Elliott-Bynum; to her beloved brother, Joe Elliott, Jr.; to her 
sisters, Carolyn Hinton and Addie Mann; to her grandson, Ahmad; to the 
entire CAARE family; and to all of those who have been impacted by her 
extraordinary work. Some of her family members are with us today.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, on tomorrow, I will say just a few words at 
the Celebration of Life service in Durham by making a very plain, but 
profound, point. It goes like this: Durham, North Carolina, is a better 
place to live and work because of the unselfish service of Dr. Sharon 
Elliott-Bynum.
  May she rest in peace, a life well lived.

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