[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 157 (Friday, September 11, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                 HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. LANCE GERSHEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 11, 2020

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
service of Lance Gershen, M.D.
  Dr. Gershen was born in 1944 in New York City, where he spent his 
childhood. He attended Stuyvesant High School and then went on to study 
at Brooklyn College of The City University of New York. After 
graduating in 1965, Dr. Gershen received his M.D. from Albert Einstein 
College of Medicine in 1969.
  Dr. Gershen's professional ambitions were delayed when he was drafted 
into the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, during which time he served 
at the Naval Station Great Lakes in Chicago. Upon discharge from the 
military, Dr. Gershen moved to California where he completed his 
residency at The Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Gershen then made 
his way to Contra Costa County and began working as a pediatrician at 
Diablo Valley Pediatrics where he became a principal partner. Dr. 
Gershen was also the Pediatric Department Chairman at several local 
hospitals and President of the East Bay Pediatric Society. One of Dr. 
Gershen's many achievements came when he developed the first 
alternative birthing center in the East Bay. Dr. Gershen's professional 
legacy, which spanned over 40 years, is one of thoughtfulness and 
dedication to children and families.
  In his personal life, Dr. Gershen was an active participant in his 
community. He was a member of Congregation B'nai Tikvah in Walnut 
Creek, the J Mensch men's group, and helped found JBL, a Jewish men's 
softball team. Above all else, Dr. Gershen loved spending time with his 
family. Dr. Gershen's faith in humanity was seen in his compassionate 
nature and his work to improve the lives of others.
  Following Dr. Gershen's diagnosis with Parkinson's Disease, he 
learned about the Parkinson Network of Mt. Diablo. Serving as co-
president, he worked to support and provide resources to others living 
with the disease. Dr. Gershen's own battle with Parkinson's never 
impacted his work to help others.
  Sadly, Dr. Gershen passed away this year at the age of 75. He is 
survived by his eight children, fourteen grandchildren, and his wife 
Cindy. Please join me in honoring Dr. Lance Gershen for his many 
contributions to our community and this country. Dr. Gershen was a 
cherished member of Contra Costa County and he will be missed.

                          ____________________