[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 17014-17015]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING COWBOYS AGAINST CANCER

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, today I come to the floor to recognize 
one of Wyoming's most generous groups, Cowboys Against Cancer. Founded 
in 1994 by cancer survivor Margaret Parry, Cowboys Against Cancer 
raises funds for residents of Sweetwater County who have been diagnosed 
with cancer. Touched by those who aided and encouraged her during her 
own battle with cancer, Margaret created Cowboys Against Cancer in 
order to provide the same comfort to those battling this awful disease. 
Margaret's mission--and that of Cowboys Against Cancer--is one of 
compassion and support. From offering the comfort of a shoulder to lean 
on to awarding grants to support overburdened individuals and families, 
Cowboys Against Cancer has waged a tireless battle against cancer.
  As a nonprofit volunteer organization, Cowboys Against Cancer is a 
proud group devoted exclusively to charity. The organization's 
volunteers work without compensation, and Cowboys Against Cancer 
employs no staff members. Without staff on the payroll, no office 
space, and very little overhead, the majority of the profits generated 
are donated directly to those in need. Since the organization's 
inception, Cowboys Against Cancer has given hundreds of grants to local 
cancer patients, including more than 150 grants in 2015 alone. In 
addition to these grants, the group has also worked to fund the 
development of cancer treatment infrastructure throughout Sweetwater 
County to better serve the regional population.
  This year marks the 21st and final Cowboys Against Cancer Annual 
Benefit and Banquet. Over 1,000 people will gather to both celebrate 
the memories of those who are no longer with us and recognize the 
exemplary courage and

[[Page 17015]]

determination exhibited by cancer survivors. Including the donations 
raised from this capstone gala, Cowboys Against Cancer estimates that 
they will have awarded a total of $5 million of grants to folks in 
Wyoming. This is a remarkable achievement.
  Margaret has a tremendous team of volunteers who have helped her make 
this dream a reality. Over the years, dozens upon dozens of folks have 
worked for this great organization. I would like to recognize the 
current board of directors and the people who have volunteered for 10 
years or more. The Cowboys Against Cancer board of directors are: 
Margaret Parry, president and founder; George Lemich, vice president 
and auction officer; Cindy Petersen, historian; Kristi Parry, 
secretary; Erika Kosher, banquet; Anita Punders, treasurer; Terry 
Warren, grant disbursements; Kathy Devoy, invitations and tickets; 
Cindy Rodriguez, advertising; and Geannie Berg, auction item data base.
  The kind, generous, and energetic volunteers who have lent a hand for 
over 10 years are Sandra DaRif, Danella ``Prune'' Devries, Pat Devoy, 
Debbie Gunn, Mary Hardy, Beth Ice, Mary Juel, Veldon Kraft, Don Melvin, 
Vance Petersen, Kyle and Patsy Rossetti, Becky Sanchez, Kelly Shablo, 
Bess Stevenson, Liz Strannigan, Tim Warren, and Donald Wiggen. Students 
from Western Wyoming Community College, Rock Springs High School, and 
Green River High School have always been generous with their time. And, 
finally, a special note of thanks to Al Harris who serves as the 
event's master of ceremonies.
  Please join me in offering my heartfelt congratulations to Margaret 
Parry and her Cowboys Against Cancer team for their efforts toward 
creating a cancer-free world. This organization has exemplified the 
nature of the cowboy spirit: tough, but neighborly. Sweetwater County--
and Wyoming--are better, thanks to the selfless contributions of 
Margaret Parry and Cowboys Against Cancer.

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