[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 162 (Tuesday, October 3, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S4915]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DYLAN CRONKHITE

 Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to spotlight the 
courageous spirit of Dylan Cronkhite, a 15-year-old in dire need of a 
kidney transplant. Dylan's journey began at just 19 months old when his 
mother, Leslie Cronkhite, rushed him to the hospital, sensing that 
something was gravely wrong. There, they received the devastating news 
that Dylan required a lifesaving operation to receive a kidney 
transplant.
  Dylan's life was saved by the selfless act of his uncle, who became a 
living kidney donor. But today, Dylan confronts another formidable 
challenge as his transplanted kidney faces failure, like most young 
transplant recipients, compromising his health.
  Living donors play a pivotal role in saving lives, offering a glimmer 
of hope to those desperately in need of an organ donation. 
Nevertheless, I remain hopeful that there are individuals who are 
willing and able to step up for the greater good, just as Dylan's 
family has. I commend the remarkable efforts of individuals like Philip 
Piety and his congregation in Silver Spring. Their initiative to 
organize an organ donation forum is an honorable step towards raising 
awareness about the dire need for organ donors. Encouraging people to 
select organ donor status on their driver's licenses can make a 
substantial difference in the lives of those like Dylan, who are 
fervently seeking a second chance at life.
  Dylan's story serves as an urgent reminder that there are actionable 
ways we can support one another through even the most challenging 
times. Today, I ask my colleagues to assist in raising awareness of the 
importance of organ donation so we can ensure that more individuals 
like Dylan receive the lifesaving organ transplants they so desperately 
need.

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