[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[House]
[Pages 12179-12180]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         BIRTHDAY CARDS FOR AVA

  (Mr. YOUNG of Iowa asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, everyone, meet Ava.
  Ava hails from Bondurant, Iowa, and is turning 11 years old next 
week. She is the beautiful daughter of Kris and Joni Hutchinson. 
Something you should know about Ava? Ava is a warrior. She is a 
fighter. She also is battling brain cancer.
  Now, cancer is not new to Ava. It is something she has fought as a 
toddler. The battle began again, though, for Ava this summer.
  Ava has faced the heartbreaking realities and struggles in her fight 
against cancer that many folks are lucky enough to never encounter in 
their lifetime, but Ava is strong, Ava is brave, and Ava is an 
inspiration to us all. She makes us all smile--everyone she has met.
  With her 11th birthday quickly approaching, you may be asking 
yourself: What does she wish for? Ava wants a birthday card from you--
anyone--everyone who would like to send one.
  Folks from across the country and around the world are sending 
birthday cards for Ava. Of the cards, she said: I

[[Page 12180]]

like getting them because I know people are praying for me and thinking 
about me every day.
  Let's help make Ava's birthday one to remember. I encourage all who 
can--everybody--to take part in this outpouring of love and support for 
Ava. Anyone can send a card to Ava at: cards for Ava, 104 9th Street 
SE, Altoona, Iowa 50009. The address is right here.
  Mr. Speaker, today, let us take a moment to send our thoughts and 
prayers to Ava and her family. Let us wish Ava a happy birthday. The 
best one is yet to come.
  Happy birthday, Ava.

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