[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 126 (Thursday, July 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING EMMA ANDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GREG GIANFORTE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 26, 2018

  Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor an amazing young 
child whose compassion for others and giving nature touches the lives 
of thousands in need of comfort.
   In 2012, Emma Anderson from Kalispell, founded Emma's Cuddle Bears 
after seeing family friends undergo cancer treatment. An adult friend 
described the challenges she faced while battling cancer and said her 
heart went out to the young children fighting cancer in the treatment 
center.
   Emma, only 5 years old at the time, asked if the children ever got 
scared, to which the friend replied that they probably did. Emma 
thought for a moment and said, ``I have an idea.''
   Emma used her own allowance money to purchase 20 teddy bears. She 
carefully examined each one to make sure it passed her cuddle test. She 
then gave each one a name and wrote a little note for the person 
receiving a bear. The bears arrived at the University of Washington 
Cancer Center, where the Andersons' friend was receiving treatment. The 
bears immediately warmed the hearts of children who needed the special 
comfort a cuddle bear can provide.
   Since then, the young humanitarian has sent over 3,000 Cuddle Bears 
to those suffering from cancer, debilitating diseases, and other 
difficult circumstances. Emma has a special gift for picking just the 
right bear to encourage and comfort young and old alike. She still 
insists on naming all the cuddle bears.
   Emma continues to answer her calling to help others. She joined 
Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child at her local church as an 
assistant project coordinator. Emma's bold and affectious personality 
inspires other to give.
   There's a saying on display in the Anderson household: ``From small 
beginnings come great things.'' It was on the nursery wall when Emma's 
adoptive mother, Jeri Anderson, brought her home from China as an 
infant.
   Starting from small beginnings, Emma and her cuddle bears continue 
to accomplish great things. All those who know her believe the best is 
yet to come.
   Mr. Speaker, for her compassion, generosity, and willingness to 
reach out to those in need, I recognize Emma Anderson for her spirit of 
Montana.

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