[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 100 (Friday, June 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE LESS CANCER ``SPLIT THE MITT'' BIKE RIDE IN 
                                MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 15, 2018

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Less Cancer, 
founded by Michigander Bill Couzens, to help remediate the alarming 
increases of cancer diagnosis and raise awareness about cancer risk 
reduction and prevention strategies. Less Cancer facilitates continuing 
education for physicians, nurses and public health professionals to 
highlight the 50 percent of cancers that are preventable, and how to 
best educate patients on specific contaminants, pollution sources, and 
healthy lifestyle choices. Less Cancer also founded National Cancer 
Prevention Day, the National Cancer Prevention Workshop and facilitates 
the U.S. Congressional Cancer Prevention Caucus.
  On June 23 and 24, cyclists from all over the country will team up 
for the Less Cancer ``Split the Mitt'' Bike Ride, an epic two-day 238-
mile charity ride through the heart of Michigan. The Less Cancer 
cycling tradition started in 2012 when Suzi Tobias rode to Mackinac 
City to honor her friend Aileen O'Brien who lost the battle with 
cancer. This year's cyclists will travel from Flint to Traverse City 
and conclude their overnight ride with a Cancer Prevention and 
Survivors' Picnic at the Cowell Family Cancer Center in Traverse City, 
Michigan.
  The yearly ride could not happen without the many cyclists that 
participate year after year including Tom Petzold, Brian Dooms, Dave 
Toutant, Tricia Petzold, Ed Shumaker, Lars Perkins, Jeanne Petzold, and 
Andrew Bowman. Tireless volunteers include Melanie Awe, Sue Coughlin, 
Steve Theil, John Kretzschmar, Miles O'Brien and Ted Shaw along with 
support from the Less Cancer Board of Directors and Board Chair Donna 
Eacho.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Less Cancer's 
tireless efforts to highlight cancer prevention strategies, and wish 
them luck in their yearly bike ride. Nonprofits like Less Cancer are a 
huge form of support for cancer survivors, their families, and future 
generations of cancer-free Americans.

                          ____________________