[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21561]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



       A TRIBUTE TO THE INLAND EMPIRE CHAPTER OF CANDLE-LIGHTERS

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                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 1999

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your 
attention today the selfless volunteers of the Candlelighters Childhood 
Cancer Foundation of the Inland Empire, who give emotional help and 
support to the families of hundreds of children who are fighting cancer 
at the Loma Linda University Children's Hospital.
  During the month of September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness 
Month, the foundation is celebrating its 18th anniversary of working to 
ensure that these families do not feel isolated, frustrated, and 
fearful while trying to cope with the potentially devastating battle 
against this disease.
  The Candlelighters maintain a two-bedroom house near the medical 
center so parents can be near their child, and provide canned food and 
laundry services. Among their other services, the foundation keeps a 
Toy Closet stocked for children who have to have special treatment at 
an outpatient clinic.
  The highlight of the year for the Candlelighters and the children 
they serve is a Christmas celebration, which annually attracts 600 
people and hands out more than 400 gifts for kids. A summer picnic 
gives these children a chance to play games and take train rides, as 
well.
  Mr. Speaker, all of these services, and many others, are provided 
through donations and by volunteers. Please join me in heartfelt 
appreciation for these hard-working individuals during Child Cancer 
Awareness month.

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