[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 8524]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         STOWE WEEKEND OF HOPE

 Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, the State of Vermont is proud of 
the people in our state who organize the annual Stowe Weekend of Hope, 
one of the most inspiring and educational events for cancer survivors 
in the United States.
  ``We believe that the Stowe Weekend of Hope is unique, as it covers 
all cancers, reveals the generosity of an entire community, and has 
enhanced the lives of thousands of past attendees and their loved 
ones,'' said Jo Sabel Courtney, the chair and cofounder of the 
uplifting event. ``Our mission,'' she explained, ``is to inspire, 
educate, and celebrate the lives of people living with cancer.''
  Altogether, some 900 participants from 21 States, the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, and Canada participated in this year's events presented by the 
Stowe Area Association and the Vermont Cancer Center. The Stowe Area 
Association's lodging properties donated 312 complimentary rooms to 
cancer survivors and their loved ones.
  Jo Sabel Courtney would be the first to tell you that making the 
weekend a tremendous success is a team effort. The Stowe Weekend of 
Hope Organizing Committee she chairs includes Leslie Anderson of Stowe; 
Trine Brink, Stowe; David Cranmer, Shelburne; Sandy Devine, Stowe; Jenn 
Ingersoll, Burlington; Kimberly Luebbers, Burlington; Kathleen McBeth, 
Stowe; Valerie Rochon, Stowe; Susan Rousselle, Elmore; Terry Smith, 
Stowe, and emeritus member and cofounder, Patti O'Brien, M.D.
  We in Vermont are very proud of the efforts that all of these people 
put into organizing this annual event for the education and 
enlightenment of cancer patients, cancer survivors and their families, 
and I have very much enjoyed visiting with them over the last several 
years.
  This year's participants in the Stowe Weekend of Hope included people 
with 46 different cancers, people who are confronting complex physical, 
emotional, spiritual, and financial challenges.
  Nationally renowned oncology specialists from around New England, as 
well as leading oncologists and researchers from the Vermont Cancer 
Center, and the University of Vermont and Fletcher Allen Health Care 
Division of Hematology and Oncology were present at this year's eighth 
annual Stowe Weekend of Hope to provide up-to-date information to both 
the patients and their loved ones.
  The weekend also included hands-on workshops, informational and 
support group gatherings, recreation opportunities, inspirational 
music, ecumenical services, motivational talks designed to heighten the 
emotional experience of healing and growth, and a time for relaxation 
and reflection.
  On Sunday morning, participants gathered to dedicate the Flags of 
Hope and Healing that they had created. The closing ceremony also 
included prayer, dance, song and remembrances.
  The Stowe Weekend of Hope was founded in 2001. Since its inception, 
the event has grown locally and nationally to continue its focus its 
mission of support, education and inspiration.
  It makes me proud of Vermont.

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