[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 33 (Friday, February 24, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





     IN RECOGNITION OF CAROLYN RODENBURG AND THE IIIB'S FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 24, 2017

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to use this time to 
recognize a local foundation in Virginia's 10th District that has been 
strengthening our community and raising breast cancer awareness since 
2004. The IIIB's Foundation, founded, by 14-year breast cancer survivor 
and proud Leesburg resident, Carolyn Rodenburg, focuses on ensuring 
that no woman diagnosed with breast cancer feels afraid or alone.
  In April of 2002, at the age of 42, Ms. Rodenburg was diagnosed with 
breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. During this difficult 
time in her life, she recalled feeling very alone and often helpless. 
However, Ms. Rodenburg found the inner strength and became determined 
to make a difference when she realized there were others just like her 
that needed a support system built on trust and understanding. It was a 
combination of her sudden diagnosis, surgery, and feelings afterwards 
that sparked her interest in helping like-minded women that were 
undergoing similar experiences, and she has been making a difference 
ever since.
  Thus in 2004, Ms. Rodenburg left behind her long career in the 
corporate world to dedicate her life to comforting and educating other 
breast cancer survivors by founding the IIIB's Foundation. IIIB's 
(pronounced three B's) stands for Bosom Buddy Baskets, which were the 
original basis on which the foundation came about. The pink Bosom Buddy 
Baskets are filled with treats, back scratchers, pillows, stuffed 
animals, and protective post-op gear and are intended for women in post 
operation recovery following mastectomy surgeries. This gesture helps 
show other women in recovery that they have a line of support from 
other survivors.
  The IIIB's Foundation has grown immensely under Ms. Rodenburg's 
leadership. Initially, Ms. Rodenburg founded it with the intention of 
helping friends going through the breast cancer treatment process. 
Today, the organization has morphed into a well-recognized foundation, 
hosting several annual fundraisers and events each year. One 
reoccurring event which has garnered a great deal of popularity is the 
yearly Pink Tie Charity Ball. It is fun, forward thinking community 
events, like the Pink Tie Charity Ball, that have helped the 
organization thrive and grow tremendously over the years into the 
organization it is today.
  To date, Ms. Carolyn Rodenburg and the IIIB's Foundation have helped 
thousands of women and families affected by breast cancer, and I am 
grateful to have such a prominent and resourceful organization in the 
10th District. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
applauding the IIIB's Foundation for its dedication to serving our 
community for so many years. I wish Ms. Rodenburg and the entire 
organization the best in their future endeavors.

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