[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 21 (Friday, February 2, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THERESA CHIMEL FOR RAISING AWARENESS FOR PROPER PALLIATIVE 
                   CARE OPTIONS IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MATT GAETZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 2, 2018

  Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the continuous 
efforts of Theresa Chimel, Executive Director of Escambia County 
Healthy Start Coalition, where she advocates for infants born exposed 
to drug use. Additionally, having lost a child of her own, she has 
dedicated her life to bring proper attention to the scarce availability 
of palliative care available in Northwest Florida.
  On August 18, 2013, Theresa's son Asher died at the age of 12 having 
lived a life riddled with medical complexities. Asher, full of life, 
brought happiness to every person privileged to meet him. Due to 
limited palliative care options, the Chimel family had to make the best 
experience from a limited amount of resources. Mrs. Chimel has since 
made it her mission to assist other children that suffer from such 
conditions, by providing resources and opportunities for their 
families. Her efforts have been noticed world-wide, and has taken her, 
along with her family, to London, England to speak at the Transforming 
End of Life Care for Children and Young People event where on this day 
she will be addressing members of Parliament.
  After her firsthand experience, Theresa proposes with high optimism 
that the care a child receives at the end of their life must be vastly 
improved. Families should not be burdened by such responsibility, but 
rather be allowed to build these precious moments in happiness and 
peace.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am profoundly 
grateful and privileged to congratulate Theresa Chimel on her efforts 
to better the experience of life for children from the beginning to the 
conclusion of their time here on Earth.

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