[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9230]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                     HONORING LAURIE SPRACKLIN-NOEL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENNY C. HULSHOF

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 23, 2000

  Mr. HULSHOF. Mr. Speaker, the word courage is used to describe many 
things. President John F. Kennedy wrote the best selling book 
``Profiles In Courage,'' and we in the House of Representatives are 
often asked to vote the courage of our convictions. Courage is often 
associated with our national war heroes. To a lesser degree, the word 
``courage'' is used to describe athletes who persevere despite injury.
  Winston Churchill defined courage as the first human quality because 
it is the quality which guarantees all others. While Sir Winston did 
not know Laurie Spracklin-Noel, his words surely describe her.
  Laurie, a constituent, was recently diagnosed with stage-three 
cancer. As a wife, a mother of four, an OB/GYN nurse, an award winning 
actress and speaker, Laurie has shown her ability to succeed in many 
areas. At the same time, her most important accomplishment is yet to 
come. When this event happens Laurie will add the distinction of cancer 
survivor to her list! Laurie is determined to overcome her cancer 
through the combination of chemotherapy, the strong support of her 
family and friends in Moberly, Missouri, and her positive attitude and 
yes, her undaunted courage. In fact, Laurie has said, ``even if this 
cancer were in stage four, I'm going to beat it.''
  While Laurie knows she is in the fight of her life, her attitude, 
disposition, and faith make this fight winnable.
  Napoleon said, ``Courage is like love; it must have hope to nourish 
it.'' Laurie is an inspiration to her family and community. They have 
hope that through her courageous efforts Laurie will win her battle.
  Mr. Speaker, the thoughts and prayers of my colleagues and I go out 
to Laurie and her family and we wish them well for the future.

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