[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 172 (Friday, October 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1058-E1059]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING THE SEVENTH BIRTHDAY OF BLAKE BURTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 2021

  Mr. FOSTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of my 
constituents, Blake Burton, on his seventh birthday and to recognize 
his resilient spirit in the face of unbelievable hardship.
  Blake was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of four and has been 
bravely battling it

[[Page E1059]]

ever since. On several occasions, Blake's condition worsened, and his 
family feared that they might be losing him. After countless surgeries, 
transfusions, needles, surviving being on a ventilator, kidney 
dialysis, and three failed stem cell transplants, his fight with 
leukemia has now come to an end and Blake was recently put into hospice 
care.
  Blake's family describes him a boy with a zest for life who makes an 
impact on anyone he comes in contact with. Despite a taxing fight 
against leukemia, he always has the energy to stick up for the 
underdog--a lesson we can all learn from.
  On October 14, Blake will turn seven years old having experienced 
more challenges than most people will over the course of their entire 
lives. We can all learn from Blake's bravery and strength, and I am 
honored to represent him and his family as part of the 11th 
Congressional District of Illinois.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Blake on 
his seventh birthday and in honoring his courage, perseverance, and 
spirit.