[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 138 (Friday, September 6, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF KIMBERLY DREW WRIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 6, 2024

  Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mrs. Kimberly Drew 
Wright, a vibrant member of the Chesterfield County community who 
touched countless lives through her passion for advocacy. Kim passed 
away on July 5, 2024, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
  Kim was a talented author and entrepreneur, a determined advocate for 
social justice who inspired thousands of women to become leaders in 
their communities, and a beloved wife and mother. She formed and 
organized the Liberal Women of Chesterfield County & Beyond (LWCC), 
inspiring change and fostering hope across the Commonwealth.
  Kim went above and beyond for her community. She, alongside LWCC, 
played a significant role in local, State, and national elections by 
encouraging more women in Chesterfield County to serve as volunteers, 
activists, and candidates for elected office. She also worked to ratify 
of the Equal Rights Amendment in Virginia in 2020, seeing our 
Commonwealth become the 38th State to ratify the amendment.
  Among many awards and accolades, Kim received the 2019 Newsmaker of 
the Year award from Virginia Professional Communicators for her 
achievements as the leader of LWCC and for sharing her vision, story, 
and impact with local, national, and international media. Based on her 
personal experiences with Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric 
Syndrome (PANS), Kim also became an outspoken advocate for recognition, 
research, and treatment of this rare but potentially devastating 
condition, and she was a fierce champion for children affected by PANS 
and their families.
  Kim is the reason I am here today--serving Virginia's Seventh 
District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her dedication, passion, 
and love instilled a confidence in me and touched the hearts of so 
many. When she got sick, she demonstrated true strength and grace.
  I am honored to recognize my dear friend, Kim Wright. She will be 
greatly missed by her husband, children, friends, and all those who 
will remember her strength, courage, and pure humanity. Kim's legacy 
will be felt in our communities for years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating Mrs. Kimberly Drew Wright.

                          ____________________