[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 10171-10172]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                  HONORING THE BLOCH CANCER FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DENNIS MOORE

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 2000

  Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, today I honor a family and a foundation that 
have changed the lives of thousands of cancer patients in our country--
Richard and Annette Bloch and the volunteers of the R.A. Bloch Cancer 
Foundation.
  In 1978, Richard Bloch was told he had terminal lung cancer and that 
he had 3 months to live. He refused to accept this prognosis, and after 
two years of aggressive therapy, he was told he was cured.
  Since Richard's bout with cancer, he and his wife Annette have 
devoted their lives to helping other cancer patients. Richard, one of 
America's best known businessmen, sold his interest in H&R Block, Inc. 
and retired from the company in 1982 to be able to devote all of his 
efforts to fighting cancer.
  The Bloch Cancer Foundation, which is fully supported financially by 
the Bloch family, is fueled by over a thousand volunteers--other cancer 
survivors and supporters who share the vision of Richard and Annette 
Bloch, such as:
  Doctors who have shared their time, knowledge and expertise;
  Home volunteers who call newly diagnosed cancer patients and place 
the metaphorical arm around a shoulder. These home volunteers guide new 
patients through their apprehension and fears so they can face their 
disease with confidence;
  Computer specialists who have developed the web sites so patients and 
survivors can seek help over the Internet;
  Volunteers who give their time on a weekly basis to answer phones and 
e-mail and form the backbone of an organization committed to cancer 
patients;
  The professionals and volunteers of the Bloch Cancer Support Center;
  Those who help develop Cancer Survivors Parks;

[[Page 10172]]

  Volunteers who helped to mail more than 98,000 books that were 
requested by cancer patients;
  The Board of Directors who help Dick and Annette develop and 
implement the programs of the foundation.
  I have also submitted a June 4, 2000, article from the Kansas City 
Star that further details the work of Richard and Annette for cancer 
patients in Kansas City.
  Mr. Speaker, on June 4 we celebrated the 15th anniversary of Cancer 
Survivors Day, an event that was started by the Blochs in Kansas City 
and is now celebrated in over 700 communities throughout the United 
States. June 4th also marks the 20th anniversary of the Cancer Hot 
Line, which has received more than 125,000 calls from newly diagnosed 
cancer patients since its inception in 1980.
  I encourage my colleagues to join me as I honor Richard and Annette 
Bloch and the volunteers of the R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation for twenty 
years of steadfast commitment to cancer patients and survivors.

               [From the Kansas City Star, June 4, 2000]

            Cancer Survivors Celebrate Another Year of Life

                            (By Oscar Avila)

       On the weekend of KC150, hundreds gathered Sunday at the 
     Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Park to mark other 
     anniversaries.
       Cancer survivors marked personal milestones at the 
     Celebration of Life rally. Survivors wore a button telling 
     how many years they had survived. Participants and their 
     families also marked the rally's 15th anniversary and the 
     park's 10th year.
       But speakers and participants agreed that they don't need 
     traditional milestones to celebrate victories over cancer.
       ``Every day is a celebration,'' said Maria Eades of Kansas 
     City, North, who was diagnosed with breast cancer nine years 
     ago. ``I wake up every morning and say, `Thank you, God, for 
     another day.' ''
       Jason Oldham, a television reporter who is receiving 
     treatment for a brain tumor, said, ``Every day is a good 
     day.''
       The Blochs created the park at 47th Street and Roanoke 
     Parkway to offer support for cancer patients and to promote 
     awareness of the disease. Because of the family's efforts, 
     the first Sunday in June is now celebrated throughout the 
     country as National Cancer Survivors Day.
       The park's walkway was lined with booths manned by people 
     from cancer support groups, hospitals and research 
     institutions. Participants reunited with friends and 
     introduced themselves to new ones.
       Several participants said they are convinced that this sort 
     of emotional support can give their health a boost. Others 
     hoped awareness of early detection and treatment would help 
     prevent future cancer cases.
       ``If only one life can be saved by coming to this park and 
     coming to this rally, then all of this is worthwhile,'' 
     Annette Bloch said.
       Guest speaker Buck O'Neil, a former player and manager with 
     the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues, reminded the 
     crowd that not everyone survives the disease. O'Neil lost his 
     wife, Ora, to cancer in 1997.
       O'Neil's words, however, were in line with the rally's 
     hopeful tone. He said his wife's struggle brought the two 
     closer. Other speakers also shared promising news. The Blochs 
     recently finished their 15th survivors park, in Jacksonville, 
     Fla. And participants also hailed last week's announcement 
     that Health Midwest and St. Luke's-Shawnee Mission Health 
     System would open a comprehensive cancer center.
       O'Neil said survivors should view the future with hope, not 
     fear.
       ``You've just begun,'' he said. ``God gave you another 
     chance. That's what he did. Use it. Use it.''

     

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