[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 167 (Tuesday, October 22, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H8304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      BLOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Carter) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Blood 
Cancer Awareness Month this past September.
  Including leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and 
more, around 14,000 Americans are diagnosed with blood cancer types 
each month.
  Although a staggering statistic, doctors and researchers across the 
globe have made significant advances since the 1960s. For some blood 
cancers, survival rates have more than quadrupled.
  As with any illness, early detection is important; so I encourage 
everyone to see their doctor, get a check-up, and discuss whether they 
have had any symptoms that could be related to blood cancer.
  Mr. Speaker, if you have had bone pain, frequent nose bleeds, or tiny 
red spots on your skin, I especially encourage you to see a doctor.
  I will continue supporting researchers to make further advances in 
eradicating these diseases.


             National Disability Employment Awareness Month

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize October 
2019 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
  Workplaces that welcome the talents of all people, including people 
with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an 
inclusive community and a strong economy.
  In the First Congressional District of Georgia, I want to especially 
recognize Goodwill Southeast Georgia, which is working to raise 
awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and 
varied contributions of people with disabilities.
  Activities they are working on this month reinforce the value and 
talent that people with disabilities add to our workplaces and 
communities while affirming Goodwill Southeast Georgia's commitment to 
an inclusive community.
  I encourage employers, schools, and other community organizations 
around the country to observe this month with programs and activities, 
and to advance the important message that people with disabilities are 
capable of surpassing any obstacle.

                              {time}  1030


                    Congratulations to Scott Isaacks

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Scott Isaacks for receiving the inaugural South Carolina Hospital 
Association Drive to Zero Harm Leadership Award.
  As director and CEO of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in 
Charleston, South Carolina, Mr. Isaacks oversees 3,100 employees, who 
are some of the best that the VA has to offer.
  The first award of its kind in South Carolina, Mr. Isaacks and his VA 
medical center are being recognized for their exceptional work in 
creating a culture of high reliability and eliminating harm from all 
facets of care.
  This high-quality care is particularly important to the First 
Congressional District of Georgia because of the large number of 
veterans using the VA medical center there in Charleston. Our veterans 
are our Nation's heroes, and they deserve the best when they return 
home, which is why I am so proud to see Mr. Isaacks working hard to 
achieve this goal.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Isaacks for his service to our veterans and 
congratulations on his award.


                   In Remembrance of James W. Boykin

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life 
of Mr. James W. Boykin, who passed away at the age of 80 on October 3.
  In Jesup, Georgia, nearly everything and everyone seems to have been 
impacted by Mr. Boykin.
  During his term serving as Wayne County commissioner, he was a 
staunch supporter of projects to boost recreation activities, and now 
there is even a community lake named in his honor.
  He took over his father's construction company in 1975 and worked to 
grow the business for over 25 years, being largely responsible for its 
size and success today. But whether in business, government, church, or 
simply playing sports, Mr. Boykin was always well-respected and 
continuously mentoring all who knew him.
  Through all of his passion to improve his community and the lives of 
others, he never let his four battles with cancer ever impact his 
attitude or dedication.
  I am proud to have had someone like Mr. James Boykin in the First 
Congressional District of Georgia. His family and friends will be in my 
thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

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