[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 113 (Thursday, June 18, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E551-E552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING GAIL ORCUTT AS THE IOWAN OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 2020

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in honoring the late Gail Orcutt of Pleasant 
Hill, Iowa as Iowan of the Week.
  A lifelong Iowan, Gail worked as a teacher for more than three 
decades before retiring in 2008. Two years later, after experiencing 
what she thought was a case of spring allergies, Gail was diagnosed 
with lung cancer: a big surprise for someone who had never smoked. Upon 
discovering her illness was caused by radon, she embarked on a years-
long effort to educate herself and others on the dangers of radon 
exposure and importance of mitigation, all while battling lung cancer 
as a chronic illness and using her experiences to inspire hope in 
others fighting cancer.
  During my first year in Congress, my team and I had the pleasure of 
working with Gail on multiple occasions to raise awareness of important 
issues in health care. She lent her voice to roundtable discussions on 
affordability of prescription drugs and accessibility to quality care, 
and her powerful, personal story always made an impact on everyone 
present. She was a frequent contributor to community discussions held 
by organizations like AARP Iowa and American Cancer Society Cancer 
Action Network, all with an aim of educating others. She spent time 
passionately advocating to state legislators and lawmakers in 
Washington for policies that would better inform the public about radon 
and mandate radon testing in schools. She still found time to volunteer 
for organizations like Free to Breathe and participate in the American 
Lung Association's Fight for Air Climb--Des Moines, climbing the stairs 
of multiple downtown buildings post-treatment with one lung. Suffice it 
to say, she was a unique force for positive change.
  I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to follow in 
Gail's footsteps and educate Iowans about radon testing and mitigation. 
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas; you cannot see, smell, 
or taste it, but it may be present in your home or school building. 
While harmless in small amounts, breathing in elevated levels of radon 
can lead to serious illness. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung 
cancer, and we lose hundreds of Iowans every year to this illness. Five 
out of every seven homes in Iowa have an unacceptable level of radon, 
and it is recommended homeowners test their homes for radon every two 
years. The Iowa Radon Hotline at 1-800-383-5992 is a valuable resource 
to not only get answers to your questions, but also to order a testing 
kit to keep you and your family safe.
  I admire Gail's courage, grace, and grit in the face of unimaginable 
challenge. Her legacy of teaching, advocating, and giving hope to those 
battling cancer is a beautiful example of Iowan values: persevering 
through difficult times, bettering the lives of those around you 
through hard work and dedication, and leaving something meaningful 
behind for future generations. Her work made a difference. I extend my 
sincere condolences to her loved ones during this difficult time and am 
keeping them in my prayers. Iowa is a better place because of neighbors 
like Gail Orcutt, and I am proud to honor her as Iowan of the Week.

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