[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 83 (Monday, May 21, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF JOHN P. GALLAGHER & PHYLLIS (SKOCIK) GALLAGHER, 
                         ALZHEIMER'S ADVOCATES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 21, 2018

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Phyllis Gallagher and 
her late husband John Gallagher of Frackville, Pennsylvania who have 
served as courageous advocates for Alzheimer's patients and their 
families. John passed away on April 18, 2018 after a 6 year struggle 
with the disease.
  John was a native of Ashland in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. He 
was a career civil servant who worked as a clerk for the Bipartisan 
Committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in Harrisburg. 
John was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's in 2012, leading to his 
retirement at the age of 49. John chose not to let his service to 
others end with his diagnosis. With the help of his wife Phyllis, John 
spent his time involved with the local Alzheimer's Association chapter. 
He took part in the Walk to End Alzheimer's and participated in several 
research projects at Johns Hopkins University. He also decided upon his 
death, his brain would be donated to research being conducted at the 
Boston University School of Medicine.
  After John's condition deteriorated, Phyllis continued their work to 
raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease research and the desperate need 
for support programs for Alzheimer's patients and caregivers. Her 
mission took her to Capitol Hill last year to testify before the United 
States Senate Special Committee on Aging and to participate in the 
Alzheimer's Advocacy Forum to speak on behalf of the 5.5 million 
Americans living with Alzheimer's disease.
  On the day she testified before the Senate, Phyllis observed: ``this 
disease has ravaged our family, but that doesn't mean that we have to 
give up hope. Something positive has to come out of this.''
  It is an honor to recognize John and Phyllis Gallagher for the 
tireless work they have done to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease. 
I am grateful to John and Phyllis for contributing to the advancement 
of treatment and cure while facing their own tremendous struggle with 
the disease. It is my hope that Phyllis continues her work as an 
advocate for the individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's.

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