[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14340]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY OF HANFORD, CALIFORNIA

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                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 15, 2016

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the American Cancer 
Society of Hanford, California on its twentieth successful Relay For 
Life event and for raising over $1,065,000 to date to fight cancer.
  More than 5,000 Relay For Life events take place across the world 
every year. However, Relay For Life has been a staple in Hanford for 
the past two decades. The twenty-four hour event aims to raise funds to 
improve cancer survival, decrease the incidence of cancer, and improve 
the quality of life for cancer patients and their caretakers.
  While events vary by community, Hanford's Relay For Life consists of 
food, games, and family-friendly activities as well as several 
meaningful celebrations. The event begins with the Survivors Lap, which 
honors cancer survivors and celebrates their victory over cancer. 
During the Luminaria Ceremony, participants remember those lost who 
lost their battle with cancer as well as those who are still fighting. 
The final ceremony is the Fight Back Ceremony, which inspires 
participants to take action in the fight against cancer.
  Hanford Relay For Life is completely organized and executed by nearly 
two hundred volunteers from the local community who, on average, raise 
over $120,000 each year. The dedication and compassion each volunteer 
exhibits is admirable and truly makes the Central Valley a remarkable 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of 
Representatives to join me in commending the American Cancer Society of 
Hanford and all the volunteers who work to make the Relay For Life 
event successful each and every year

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