[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 22]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 30717]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING FRED KELLEY FOR HIS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIVING THROUGH 
                        ``PEDDLIN' FOR A CURE''

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 8, 2007

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, there are many unsung heroes throughout 
our great nation who give selflessly of their time in order to help 
others. Mr. Fred Kelley, of Monroeville, Alabama, is one of these 
individuals.
  Fred has dedicated his life to helping others by encouraging families 
to take up bicycling. His tireless efforts to promote healthy living 
have raised over $330,000 for the American Cancer Society. Founder of 
Monroe County's ``Peddlin' for a Cure,'' the largest fundraising event 
in the American Cancer Society's southeast division, Fred and his team 
raised an incredible $140,000 at this year's ride for cancer research.
  ``Peddlin' for a Cure'' began almost by accident. In 2004, Fred 
Kelley and Phill Allen, co-hosts of the Morning Show on Monroeville's 
WMCF 99.3, made a plea to their listeners to raise funds for the 
American Cancer Society. Fred challenged his listeners saying, ``If we 
can raise $1,000 this morning, I'll ride my bicycle from the 
Monroeville Square to the Battleship Alabama.'' Within 20 minutes, 
$5,000 had been raised and numerous callers had volunteered to ride 
with Fred, and that morning, ``Peddlin' for a Cure'' was born. The 
first ride to the battleship exceeded everyone's expectations raising 
$36,000, and in just four years, ``Peddlin' for a Cure'' has raised 
$334,000 for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, in addition 
to other cancer fundraising events throughout the country.
  Fred's commitment to his community doesn't end there. He is also a 
volunteer with the Alabama Obesity Task Force in Montgomery and uses 
his skills as a commercial pilot to volunteer with Pilot's for Christ, 
an international organization that uses airplanes for missionary work. 
With Pilot's for Christ, Fred has flown numerous cancer patients for 
specialized treatments all of the United States.
  Earlier this week, President George W. Bush invited Fred Kelley to 
the White House to personally thank him for his selfless service to 
others.
  Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you and my colleagues to join me in 
honoring Fred Kelley for his selfless commitment to helping his 
community and for inspiring others to do the same. Fred's story serves 
as an inspiration not only to those of us in southwest Alabama but also 
to people across the country. Without a doubt, we need more people like 
Fred Kelley in this world--a true hero.

                          ____________________