[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 116 (Thursday, July 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               COMMUNITY IS STRONGER THAN CANCER DAY 2023

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                     HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 6, 2023

  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with people 
across America who marked June 28, 2023 as Community Is Stronger Than 
Cancer Day.
  For those whose lives have been impacted by cancer, the community 
that is found in this shared experience is an opportunity for hope, for 
comfort, and even joy. Toward this end, I want to recognize the Cancer 
Support Community, a global non-profit network of 190 locations, 
including Gilda's Clubs, hospital and clinic partnerships, and 
satellite locations that deliver more than $50 million in free support 
and navigation services to patients and families. They also provide a 
compassionate and engaged community for people who experienced a cancer 
diagnosis themselves or who support a loved one.
  The Cancer Support Community reaches more than one million people 
each year, providing both in-person and virtual services as well as 
educational and digital resources. My district is home to those who can 
seek support and programming at one of two Cancer Support Community 
locations in Florida, and I ask all my colleagues to review where there 
currently are locations in or near their districts and to learn more 
about the important services being provided in their communities.
  The Cancer Support Community also maintains a toll-free national 
Cancer Support Helpline. It is crucial to note that all their services 
are led by licensed healthcare professionals and resource experts. 
Additionally, their headquarter staff conducts cutting-edge research 
that sheds light on the realities of coping with a cancer diagnosis, 
including the emotional, psychological, and financial impact. so I 
encourage all my colleagues to learn more about them.
  There are more than 18 million cancer patients and survivors in the 
United States, and for every one cancer patient, there are at least 
three others impacted by the diagnosis--spouse, partner, child, 
caregiver, and employer. A cancer diagnosis is life changing and, for 
some, can be overwhelming and distressing. I applaud the Cancer Support 
Community and its network partners for the extraordinary work they do 
every day easing the burdens of cancer and eliminating barriers to 
care. I commend their unwavering commitment to ensuring that all people 
impacted by cancer know that there are individuals and organizations 
that are ready to support them as they cope with the challenges that 
come with this complex diagnosis.
  As the Cancer Support Community emphasizes: ``While we have witnessed 
many significant advances in treating this devastating disease, nothing 
takes the place of the power, inspiration, companionship, and 
connection that comes from community. We are here to provide relevant 
and highly personalized support when and where it is needed most 
because Community Is Stronger Than Cancer.''

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