[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 24 (Thursday, February 7, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING STUDENTS AND FACULTY OF BIG TIMBER GRADE SCHOOL AND SWEET 
                        GRASS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GREG GIANFORTE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 7, 2019

  Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the students and 
faculty of Big Timber Grade School and Sweet Grass County High School 
for supporting and encouraging Barrett Artukovich, a 7-year-old, 
second-grade student from Big Timber who is battling cancer.
   In early December 2018, Barrett was diagnosed with Hodgkin's 
lymphoma, a form of cancer that can advance quickly throughout the body 
and weaken the immune system. Barrett is undergoing a unique, 
personalized, two-year treatment plan in Colorado where he and his 
parents, Bill and Heather Artukovich, will travel frequently for 
clinical visits.
   The Big Timber community has rallied around the family, offering 
generous support.
   Because of the treatment, Barrett's head is shaved, and he wears a 
hat. The boys in Barrett's class shaved their heads in support of their 
friend. Big Timber Grade School and Sweet Grass County High School 
recently observed ``Wear a Hat for Barrett Day'' with students wearing 
hats in school with a one-dollar donation to support a fund for the 
Artukovichs.
   The schools kicked off ``Barrett's Penny War,'' a competition among 
each grade level to see which grade raises the most money through the 
end of February.
   The high school boys basketball team named Barrett its honorary 
captain for the season. With his parents taking precautions, Barrett 
attended the emotional game where the team presented him with an 
autographed basketball and team picture.
   With the help of a grant, Barrett participates virtually in the 
classroom using a telepresence robot. The device provides a two-way 
audio/video connection which allows Barrett to interact with his 
teacher and classmates from home.
   Barrett's uncle set up an online campaign to help with travel, 
accommodations, and other expenses. The initial goal of $20,000 was met 
within a day, according to Bill Artukovich.
   Madam Speaker, for their encouragement and support of a classmate 
battling cancer and his family, I recognize the students and faculty of 
Big Timber Grade School and Sweet Grass County High School for their 
spirit of Montana.

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