[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 132 (Wednesday, July 28, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5137-S5138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO ROCKY AND LISA EADES
Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today in celebration of Rocky and
Lisa Eades, the 2021 honorees of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central
Wyoming.
Since 1978, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming has made a
positive difference in the lives of children. Their mission is to
inspire all youth, especially those who need them the most. They strive
to help young people reach their full potential as productive,
responsible, and caring citizens. The programs, leagues, and activities
serve the children in our community by cultivating academic success,
healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship.
On September 8, 2021, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming
will host their 23rd annual awards and recognition breakfast. At this
breakfast,
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the organization honors members of the community who have made a
significant difference in the lives of others. It is an inspiring
celebration.
This year's honorees are Rocky and Lisa Eades. They are an ideal
choice because of their tremendous role in helping families. Their
story of generosity and compassion is inspiring.
Rocky and Lisa cofounded the Jason's Friends Foundation, a nonprofit
organization based in Casper, WY. Jason's Friends provides financial
and moral support to families with children fighting cancer. The couple
took on this charge after experiencing firsthand the hardships
associated with childhood cancer. Their 8-year-old son Jason was
diagnosed with a brain stem tumor in January 1995.
Rocky and Lisa dedicated their all to Jason's recovery. They upended
their lives, traveling to Denver and New York for care and treatment.
Jason's brave fight ended in November 1995. To honor Jason's life and
help Wyoming families in similar situations, they founded Jason's
Friends Foundation in 1996.
Jason's Friends has crafted an inspiring legacy, providing over $5.8
million in financial assistance to families dealing with the added
stress and financial burden of a child with cancer. Currently, 145
families are enrolled in the program. The foundation helps cover
nonmedical expenses such as travel and household bills. Their work
allows families to fully commit to their fight against cancer.
The Bowl for Jason's Friends fundraiser, in its 23rd year, is a
highly anticipated event, drawing in the entire community. The
foundation also hosts Camp Courage, a no-cost summer camp for childhood
cancer patients and their families.
Family is the highest priority for the Eades. In addition to Jason
and the countless families they have helped throughout Wyoming, they
have two grown daughters, Brooke and Skylar. Lisa serves as the
volunteer president/CEO of Jason's Friends, cochairs the Wyoming Cancer
Coalition, serves on the Wyoming Department of Health's Institutional
Review Board, and was appointed by then Governor Mead to the Wyoming
Palliative Care Advisory Council. Rocky is the president of Eades
Construction in Casper and has built hundreds of custom homes in
Natrona County.
Rocky and Lisa live a life of heart and perseverance. They are the
first to offer a helping hand to those experiencing tremendous
challenges. The Code of the West charges us to live each day with
courage. Not only do Rocky and Lisa embody this principle, they give
everyone around them the courage needed to do the same. Casper and
Wyoming are fortunate to have them.
It is with great honor that I recognize these outstanding members of
our Wyoming community. My wife Bobbi joins me in extending our
congratulations to Rocky and Lisa Eades upon their selection for this
special award.
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