[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25289]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


TRIBUTE TO AMERICAN CANCER FUND FOR CHILDREN AND KIDS CANCER CONNECTION

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                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 7, 2005

  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
the American Cancer Fund for Children and Kids Cancer Connection, which 
are located in the 30th Congressional District, which I represent.
  Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, proclaimed the week of 
October 2, 2005 ``Childhood Cancer Awareness Week'' in the City of Los 
Angeles. I am pleased to join Mayor Villaraigosa in thanking Steven 
Firestein, the founder of American Cancer Fund for Children and its 
sister organization, Kids Cancer Connection for his wonderful work in 
assisting children affected by cancer.
  More than eleven years ago, Steven began the American Cancer Fund for 
Children to provide vital patient psychosocial services to children 
undergoing cancer treatment at the Skull Base Institute at the Cedars-
Sinai Medical Office Towers in Los Angeles, Mattel Children's Hospital 
at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles as well as participating 
hospitals throughout the country.
  One of the wonderful services provided through American Cancer Fund 
for Children is the Magical Caps for Kids program. Hand-made caps and 
decorated baseball caps are given to children who want to protect their 
heads following the trauma of chemotherapy, surgery and/or radiation. 
The American Cancer Fund for Children also sponsors Courageous Kid 
award ceremonies and hospital celebrations in recognition of a child's 
bravery and determination to fight the battle against childhood cancer.
  As we know, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among 
children in the United States. This tragic disease is detected in 
nearly 11,000 of our nation's children each year. Steven Firestein and 
the American Cancer Fund for Children and Kids Cancer Connection are 
providing critical services and comfort to young patients battling 
cancer and their families. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking 
and recognizing Steven Firestein for his tremendous efforts.

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