[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Pages 6355-6356]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      CONGRATULATING EASTER SEALS

  Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I wish today to commend a standout chapter 
of a renowned organization, one that has been responsible for bringing 
light to the lives of countless Americans throughout its existence. 
Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore is celebrating its 
60th year of providing critical help to those in need.
  In 1948, the organization was started to meet the needs of children 
with disabilities, and it has grown exponentially since then. This 
chapter served 18,000 Delawareans last year through eight locations, 
and they now have an annual operating budget of $15 million.
  The services provided by the staff and volunteers at Easter Seals are 
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known: speech and hearing therapy, assistive technology, and job 
training are just a few of the ways they help children and adults with 
disabilities lead independent lives in their communities.
  As we embark on spring this year, it is appropriate to recall the 
symbol of Easter Seals: the lily. The lily makes us all think of 
rebirth and new life, which is exactly what Easter Seals provides to 
those they help. It is why the lily has appeared on every Easter 
``Seal'' produced since the 1950s.
  I would be remiss if I thanked Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland's 
Eastern Shore without recognizing its driving force for the last half 
century. Sandra Tuttle, who has been associated with the organization 
for nearly 50 years--including as its president and CEO since 1978--is 
stepping aside from her formal role. Her leadership has been the engine 
of this remarkable organization; her devotion, professionalism, and 
guidance are known to all associated with Easter Seals.
  I wish her the best of luck in all her future endeavors and thank her 
from the bottom of my heart for what she has helped this organization 
become. The lives she has touched are without number. She truly is an 
angel walking among us.
  I know I am not the first to thank Easter Seals in this Chamber, and 
I doubt I will be the last. This incredible organization, started by a 
few people trying to make a difference for disabled children, has 
blossomed into the model for all such groups in America. I thank my 
local chapter for its work, congratulate it on this momentous occasion, 
and hope that its influence will continue to grow for years to come.

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