[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 17385-17386]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING BRIANNA COMMERFORD ON BEING NAMED HOPE ON WHEELS' NATIONAL 
                            YOUTH AMBASSADOR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2010

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of 
the Hyundai Hope on Wheels program, and to congratulate a brave young 
woman named Brianna Commerford on being named the Hope on Wheels' 
National Youth Ambassador. This program will donate $6.8 million to 68 
children's hospitals across the nation, continuing Hyundai's long-
standing commitment to the treatment of pediatric cancer. The 
organization could not have picked a more able or appropriate 
ambassador than Brianna.
  One of the great joys of serving in Congress is representing so many 
outstanding and remarkable citizens who use their life abilities and 
experiences to improve the lives of those they may never meet. Brianna 
Commerford is one of those exemplary citizens. Just twelve years old, 
Brianna displays a wisdom and maturity far beyond her years, and has 
created incredible good out of one of life's most terrifying 
situations.
  When she was nine years old, Brianna was diagnosed with Stage IV 
Hodgkin's Lymphoma. With courage, tenacity, and support from those 
around her, Brianna overcame a year of grueling treatment and 
eventually defeated the cancer. Since entering remission in October 
2009, Brianna has shared her story of survival in schools, hospitals, 
and other places across New Jersey, bringing hope and inspiration to so 
many. Moreover, Brianna has helped raise over $20,000 for the American 
Cancer Society.

[[Page 17386]]

  Brianna has taken a scary and daunting prognosis and unlocked its 
potential for good. She has learned one of life's most difficult 
lessons--that greatness is found in our ability to create good within 
our own locus of control. I can think of no one better suited to serve 
as a National Ambassador for this important cause. The same energy that 
carried her through treatment will serve the Hope on Wheels initiative 
well, as Brianna and Hyundai partner to find new ways to treat and 
hopefully one day prevent and cure pediatric cancer.
  Thanks to her courage and the skill of her doctors, Brianna is back 
to doing what she loves: riding horses, playing soccer, and living the 
life of an active twelve-year-old. She has made the commendable 
decision to further the cause of pediatric cancer research by sharing 
her story with us today. In closing, I would like to leave you with you 
a line from a poem Brianna wrote while she was in treatment: ``I have 
CANCER and I really DON'T like it. The chemo is GROSS, but I'm STRONG 
and can fight it.''
  Brianna brings a powerful testimony to the importance of living 
courageously and pursuing your goals relentlessly. It is an honor to 
represent Brianna and her family in Congress, and pay tribute to the 
many successes she has achieved with her great courage and persistence.

                          ____________________