[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E208-E209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LEGACY AND STRENGTH OF LAUREN SMALL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. VINCE FONG

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 2025

  Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Lauren 
Paige Small, whose courage in the face of cancer will continue to 
inspire countless individuals.
  Lauren Small was born on August 1, 1994, to her caring parents, Kevin 
and Tuesdy in

[[Page E209]]

Bakersfield, California. She was an engaged student at both Olive Drive 
Elementary and Norris Middle School, with hobbies including music, 
horseback riding, tennis, swimming. wakeboarding, skiing, and eating 
her favorite food--mashed potatoes. Though many people fear riding or 
simply mounting a horse, Lauren fearlessly pranced and galloped on her 
cherished horse, Nickel Citation Nickie, winning Rookie of the Year, 
Champion Walk/Job, and placing in the top ten finalists at the 2005 
Bakersfield Open Horse Show.
  She won these awards and pursued these hobbies while she fought an 
intense battle with cancer, one to which she would unfortunately 
succumb on December 1, 2005. Though cancer had cruelly afflicted Lauren 
since 2003, she shocked her doctors, parents, and peers with her 
continued joy in life. Even as she endured the pains of chemotherapy 
and other health related challenges, she remained positive and 
continued to pursue her passion for horseback riding.
  While Lauren is no longer with us, her drive and enthusiasm in her 
final years remain in the memories of all those who knew her. Lauren is 
survived by her parents, her brother, Kyle, great aunt, her 
grandparents, aunts, uncles, great uncles, and cousins, all of whom 
continue to deeply love and miss her.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me as we remember the 
undaunted life of Lauren Small and carry on her legacy of upholding 
strength.