[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5173]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNITION OF NATHAN ELFRINK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARY JO KILROY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 2010

  Ms. KILROY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Nathan Elfrink, an 
energetic, passionate young man. Despite having spent most of his life 
fighting a brain tumor, Nate never let his illness diminish his thirst 
for adventure. He passed away at the age of seven on February 26, 2010. 
My heart goes out to his family, friends, and all those who have been 
touched by Nate's kindness and bravery.
  Nate never complained about his illness, the doctor's appointments, 
or the difficult treatments. Instead, he often asked his mom when he 
could go play on his way to appointments. He was a caring boy who would 
bake cookies for his teachers and friends. Nate was active in various 
community events around central Ohio and he led a group, known as 
``Nate's Mates,'' at a local Relay For Life to raise money for the 
American Cancer Society.
  Nate's favorite holiday was Christmas. Last year, Nate's mother 
posted an online update about his condition and said that he would 
enjoy receiving Christmas cards. A subsequent Facebook group was 
initiated asking for one million Christmas cards for Nate. As cards 
poured in from all 50 states and 63 countries, the town of West 
Jefferson came together to open all the cards and read the most notable 
to Nate.
  Nate always had a passion for sports and despite his worsening 
condition, Nate watched the entire Winter Olympics opening ceremony and 
enjoyed pointing out all the countries from which he received cards.
  Nate enjoyed his life the best he could. His family plans to keep the 
cards Nate received and hold a Christmas in July celebration on what 
would have been Nate's eighth birthday. I am proud to honor Nate 
Elfrink for his courage and optimism throughout his illness; this 
inspirational member of our community will be sincerely missed.

                          ____________________