[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 2893]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING ZORA BROWN

 Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life, 
legacy and service of Zora Brown. Zora, who passed away March 3, 2013 
at the age of 63, was a forceful advocate for cancer research and 
breast cancer awareness. As a three-time breast and ovarian cancer 
survivor, Ms. Brown turned her experience into a lifetime of tireless 
work to help others affected by cancer.
  I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Zora last summer when she 
participated in a Senate Cancer Coalition forum focused on breast 
cancer. At the forum, she spoke poignantly and clearly about the impact 
of breast and ovarian cancer on her family, and on the African-American 
community. Zora's message was not one of despair, but rather one of 
hope and perseverance. She compared her own experience with cancer to 
that of her grandmother and great-grandmother, and highlighted how 
recent advances in cancer research gave her knowledge and treatment 
options that the other women in her family never had.
  Throughout her career, Zora founded and was associated with countless 
organizations dedicated to the fight against cancer. After her first 
diagnosis with breast cancer in 1981, Zora founded the Breast Cancer 
Resource Committee, an organization dedicated to lowering the breast 
cancer mortality rate among African Americans. She later founded and 
served as Chairperson of Cancer Awareness Program Services, CAPS, 
providing comprehensive educational and prevention programs focusing on 
cancers affecting women. In 1991, President Bush appointed her to the 
National Cancer Advisory Board of the National Cancer Institute, which 
helps steer the institute's policy. She served on the board until 1998. 
Due in part to Zora's influence and persistent advocacy, Congress 
appropriated $500,000 for breast and cervical screening for low-income, 
uninsured inner city women. In addition, she has been a part of the 
American Association for Cancer Research, the U.S. Conference of 
Mayors' Cancer Awareness Campaign, and the Board of Health in her 
hometown of Oklahoma City.
  With Zora's passing we have lost a great leader and advocate in the 
fight against cancer. Her passion, grace, and ability to connect with 
others were qualities that made a lasting impact. It is now up to all 
of us to carry on her legacy and work toward our shared dream of 
conquering cancer for everyone. It was an honor to spend time with her 
and hear through her eloquent words and fighting spirit how cancer 
touched her life and how she chose to use her personal experience to 
make a true difference in our world. My heartfelt condolences go out to 
her family and loved ones.

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