[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 57 (Tuesday, April 10, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E425]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JEAN GASPAR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 10, 2018

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my 
constituents who is celebrating a remarkable milestone in her cancer 
journey. Jean Gaspar of Palm Harbor is celebrating 10 years of good 
health following her diagnosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in 
2008.
  To give back after her cancer diagnosis, Jean became deeply involved 
with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by volunteering with Team in 
Training, a program that brings individuals together as a team to train 
for an endurance event, and Light The Night, an event that supports 
treatments that are saving the lives of patients today. Through Team in 
Training and Light The Night, Jean has raised tens of thousands of 
dollars to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's mission to cure 
leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the 
quality of life of patients and their families.
  Jean is also an active advocate for policies to help blood cancer 
patients. I had the privilege of meeting with Jean last May when she 
visited Washington, D.C. to participate in the Leukemia & Lymphoma 
Society's Volunteer Leadership Conference. Jean's story is inspiring, 
and I enjoyed the opportunity to talk with her about policies to help 
blood cancer patients access their treatments.
  On the heels of National Volunteer Week, the Leukemia & Lymphoma 
Society is recognizing Jean's good health and tremendous volunteerism 
on April 28, the night before she embarks on her first triathlon, by 
naming her the National Honored Teammate for the event. As the co-chair 
of the Congressional Caucus to Cure Blood Cancers and Other Blood 
Disorders, it is my privilege to join with the Leukemia & Lymphoma 
Society in congratulating Jean on reaching this health milestone and to 
wish her well at the St. Anthony's Triathlon on April 29.

                          ____________________