[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E89]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING YVONNE FEDDERSON

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. GREG STANTON

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 2, 2026

  Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and remember Yvonne 
Fedderson, an Arizonan whose compassion and resolve helped build 
Childhelp, one of the Nation's leading nonprofits dedicated to the 
prevention and treatment of child abuse. She devoted her life to 
protecting children who too often suffer in silence. Yvonne passed away 
on January 23, 2026, at the age of 90.
  Yvonne first found success as an actress in film and television in 
the 1950s and 1960s. Her acting career included appearances in widely 
recognized films and television series. But she ultimately chose a life 
of service. Rather than continuing to pursue acting, Yvonne and her 
close friend and fellow actress Sara O'Meara turned their fame into a 
mission to protect vulnerable children in need. In 1959, the two 
actresses created International Orphans, Inc., to support orphans in 
post-typhoon Japan. International Orphans later evolved into Childhelp, 
a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect 
and supporting children and families in need.
  Friends and colleagues knew Yvonne as a steady and determined leader 
who understood that protecting at-risk children is hard work that 
requires persistence and dedication. That commitment helped Yvonne 
shape Childhelp into a practical, action-driven organization with real 
reach and impact. As President and Vice Chair of Childhelp, she helped 
build a national network of chapters and volunteers and expand programs 
like the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline and the Speak Up Be 
Safe prevention curriculum. Childhelp has supported more than 14 
million children and families across the United States since its 
founding.
  Yvonne's impact in Arizona is even more meaningful because it was her 
home. The Scottsdale-based Childhelp continues to advance the vision 
Yvonne and Sara first set out to realize more than six decades ago: to 
keep children safe and to help communities respond to children in need 
quickly and with compassion. Childhelp has impacted communities across 
Arizona through prevention programs and direct services, including 
residential treatment programs that have helped young survivors heal 
and rebuild their lives.
  I extend my condolences to Yvonne's loved ones and to the entire 
Childhelp community, who will carry her mission forward and continue 
building on the legacy she created.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Yvonne 
Fedderson. Our country is better off because of Yvonne. Arizona is 
better off because of Yvonne. I thank Yvonne for a lifetime of service 
to children and families in need.

                          ____________________