[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 54 (Monday, March 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF MEGAN MELISSA BUGG

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM KINZINGER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 28, 2022

  Mr. KINZINGER. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Megan Bugg of Coal 
City, Illinois, who passed away in her home on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 
after a seven year and three month battle with Alveolar 
Rhabdomyosarcorma. Megan will be greatly missed by many, but most 
especially her family, whom she loved dearly. Megan believed that 
everyone deserved the honor of dignity, respect, and kindness, and she 
lived her life spreading that message.
  Throughout Megan's battle with childhood cancer, she maintained a 
positive attitude and zest for life that became an inspiration for 
family, friends, and many others. Although Megan was fighting her own 
personal battle, she made her fight about something much bigger than 
herself by becoming a passionate advocate for childhood cancer 
awareness and the need for increased funding for cancer research. She 
lobbied legislators for the cause and helped lead marches in-
Washington, D.C. calling for increased funding for childhood cancer 
research. I was lucky enough to meet Megan on one of these visits and 
was incredibly impressed by her courage, passion, and spirit. It's no 
wonder she was chosen as the 2019 American Red Cross Youth Hero, one of 
the Morris Daily Herald ``Women of the Year'' recipients, a Joliet 
Herald News ``Everyday Hero'', the Grand Marshall of the Grundy County 
Comfest Parade, and had her efforts honored by the Illinois Legislature 
in House Resolution 1071. In recognition of her achievements, the 
Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute of Oregon is opening 
the ``Megan Bugg Global Rhabdomyosarcoma Research Lab'' to carry on 
Megan's goal of making sure no more children go through what she 
endured.
  Without a doubt, the world feels a void in the absence of Megan's 
steadfast presence. As her family shared, Megan had a sense of humor 
that could light up the room and held a genuine Jove for all of those 
around her. They will remember all the lives she touched and by 
honoring her in this way, they can keep her spirit alive and continue 
to inspire others as she inspired so many.
  Megan is survived by her father, mother, and sister. She is also 
survived by her paternal grandparents and her maternal grandparents. 
May the memories of her light be a comfort to her family and friends, 
and may we all carry her legacy forward in putting an end to childhood 
cancer.
  Madam Speaker, in expressing my condolences, I want to take this time 
to also encourage the family, friends, and the community to celebrate 
the life of Megan Bugg--not only for her service in helping address the 
specific obstacles related to childhood cancer awareness, but for being 
a beacon of light and hope for all of those who had the opportunity to 
meet her. She remains an inspiration to not only her community, but to 
me as well.

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