[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 9719]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                           RACE FOR THE CURE

  Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a very important 
event.
  All over the country, women and men alike are preparing for the 
``Race for the Cure,'' a 5-kilometer foot race to raise money in the 
fight against breast cancer. Each year, the number of participants in 
the race has grown. Sixteen years after its inception, the Race for the 
Cure has become the largest 5-K in the world.
  I believe this race is widely attended because breast cancer has 
affected so many people. One in 9 women and approximately 12,000 men 
are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. So, in some way, 
everyone--every man, woman, and child is affected by this disease. The 
Race for the Cure is important because it brings awareness to this 
disease that is so prevalent today.
  This cause and this race are important to me for many reasons. There 
are several women who are very important to me who are survivors of 
this terrible disease. I have learned so much from these women; I have 
seen their courage and, believe me, I want to underscore that point--
very courageous. I have seen their willingness to fight. Through them, 
I have learned more about the value of life.
  We often take for granted the gifts that we have been given. We catch 
ourselves thinking about what will happen in an hour, or in a couple of 
days, and we forget to live for right now. The precious time that we 
have with our loved ones is invaluable. We take too little time with 
them. Through their struggles to fight breast cancer, these women have 
shown me the importance of a life lived well. And for that, I thank 
each of them.
  This race is being held in over 95 cities in the United States over 
the next few weeks. I am proud to say that this weekend, on May 15, the 
Race for the Cure will be held in Helena, MT, my State's capital. 
Approximately 3,000 runners will participate. More important, over 300 
breast cancer survivors will participate this weekend in the race for 
life.
  Seventy-five percent of the race proceeds are used to provide 
mammography vouchers and grants for follow-up diagnostic tests for more 
than 600 women in Montana. Thirty-two health care facilities in my 
State participate in this program.
  I extend my special thanks to the Montana Race organizers Connie 
Malcom and Bobbie Pomroy and the hundreds of volunteers working 
together to make this important event occur. Women like Jan Paulsen, a 
seven-year survivor who will represent my State at the National Race 
for the Cure here in Washington, DC, on June 5.
  Congratulations to everyone involved in this important event and good 
luck to all!
  Mr. President, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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