[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 54 (Monday, April 2, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING KATHY AND PETE POTOCKI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 2, 2018

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor pillars of Pelham 
community, Kathy and Pete Potocki, who this year are celebrating the 
25th Anniversary of the organization they founded, The Danny Fund, at 
the organization's annual 2018 Valentines Ball.
  The Potocki's were home in Pelham on December 10, 1992 when their 4-
1/2 year-old son, Danny, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. A 
blood and donation drive was organized with the help of the Pelham 
Civics and other organizations to help Danny in his fight, and over 100 
people donated blood and platelets. Danny successfully fought the 
disease and today lives a full life with a daughter in 2nd Grade in 
Pelham. The Pelham community's response to help Danny was tremendous, 
and laid the groundwork for what was to come.
  After Danny returned home and began kindergarten at Colonial School, 
it was learned that other Pelham children were ill and their families 
needed help. So Kathy and Pete, in association with the Knights of 
Columbus, started to organize The Danny Fund, a 100 percent volunteer 
organization that provides financial, emotional, and advocacy support 
for the families of children suffering from a catastrophic illness or 
injury. The Danny Fund adopts a family for the long haul and provides 
ongoing support as it is needed, for as long as it's needed.
  The Danny Fund has done some amazing work, and this year the 
organization will be honoring Kathy and Pete at the Valentine's Ball 
for their incredible dedication and work. I too would like to honor and 
congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition, and thank them for 
all of their contributions to our community.