[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 20, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1312]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE OF PAM HILLERY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RYAN K. ZINKE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 20, 2016

  Mr. ZINKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Pam 
Hillery of Havre, Montana. After a four-year battle with Lou Gehrig's 
disease (ALS), Pam passed away peacefully in the presence of her family 
late Wednesday night, September 15, 2016. This was a profound loss, not 
only for Havre, but for all of Montana.
  I was truly saddened to hear the news Thursday morning. I only had 
the privilege of meeting Pam and her husband Paul once, but they left a 
lasting impression on me and my staff. Last year, Paul and Pam made the 
long trek from Havre to Washington to advocate for legislation that 
would prioritize finding cures for chronic diseases like ALS. At the 
time, the House was still crafting and debating a solution. I remember 
kneeling down next to Pam and listening to her story. Despite being 
bound to a wheelchair, her passion and dedication were truly 
inspirational. She knew her fate, but was still striving for a better 
future with those afflicted with this terrible disease. In Pam's own 
words, ``I'm not hopeful, but I'm not hopeless.'' It was this fervent 
spirit that led me to cosponsor and help pass the 21st Century Cures 
legislation in the House of Representatives.
  While I only knew Pam for a short time, it became immediately and 
abundantly clear why her passing is such a loss to Havre, Montana, and 
our nation. Her honest passion had the ability to inspire people to 
action. The town of Havre knows this better than anyone else. Pam 
epitomized what it means to be an active participant within the local 
community. She served on the Havre City Council for nine years, even 
after being confined to a wheel chair and losing her ability to speak. 
She was politically active, fighting for the causes close to her heart. 
From Missoula to Helena, she was constantly in motion no matter what it 
took. Most importantly, she was a loving and dedicated mother and wife 
to her children and husband. Pam leaves behind her husband Paul and 
children Caroline and Dolan. To each of them, you have mine and Lola's 
sincerest condolences.
  Mr. Speaker, although Pam is no longer with us, I call upon this 
Congress to commemorate her lasting impact. Whether serving her 
community as part of the Havre City Council or navigating the halls of 
Congress for causes close to her heart, she made a positive impression 
at every single turn. She will be sorely missed by us all.

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