[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 158 (Thursday, September 29, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H8227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

  (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Childhood 
Cancer Awareness Month, to honor all those suffering and all those who 
have lost loved ones, and to pay tribute to a remarkable Rhode 
Islander.
  Carrigan Nelson was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer, osteosarcoma, 
in 2019. Unfortunately, her story is not unique. Every 3 minutes a 
family receives the devastating news that their child has been 
diagnosed with cancer.
  And yet, Carrigan nearly lost access to her lifesaving care when she 
lost her mother's employer-sponsored health insurance 1 month before 
her chemotherapy was scheduled to end.
  However, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Carrigan's family was 
able to enroll in Rhode Island's health insurance exchange, allowing 
her to complete her treatment plan.
  As we raise awareness about childhood cancer this month, and the 
importance of screenings, early detection, and care--we must recommit 
ourselves to ensuring that every single family has access to 
affordable, quality care, and ensuring protections for individuals with 
pre-existing conditions so that survivors like Carrigan will never be 
denied the coverage and care they need.

  I am honored to know and represent such a brave young woman and will 
not stop fighting for Carrigan and every young person battling cancer.

                          ____________________