[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[House]
[Pages 13228-13229]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE NICKLAUS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL SCHOOL LIAISON PROGRAM

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
efforts of my former staff member, Janelle Perez, and her partner, 
Monica Ruiz, in helping the School Liaison Program for Nicklaus 
Children's Hospital, located in my congressional district.
  Having both been affected by cancer in different life-altering ways, 
Janelle and Monica collaborated with the Miami Children's Health 
Foundation on methods that could have the largest and most profound 
impact on the lives of so many children who are undergoing treatment at 
the Nicklaus Children's Hospital.
  Through Janelle and Monica's passion for children and education, the 
School Liaison Program was born. The program is designed to provide 
guidance and advocacy to patients and their families in order to 
continue academic growth while undergoing clinical treatment.
  The program aids in recovery by bringing a sense of normalcy and 
confidence to these children, instilling in them the hope that they 
will recover and soon return to the normal day-to-day activities they 
enjoyed before becoming ill.
  Congratulations to Janelle and Monica for helping sick children 
through the Nicklaus Children's Hospital School Liaison Program.


   Commemorating the Miami Childrens Theater on Its 20th Anniversary

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Miami 
Childrens Theater on its 20th anniversary as an invaluable education 
center for children and young adults in our south Florida community. I 
would like to recognize its outstanding leadership team, including 
their executive producing director and founder, Angela Ardolino.
  Originally an after-school program at the Coral Gables Youth Center, 
located in my congressional district, it was Angela's efforts and 
strategic vision that transformed this prominent center into what it is 
today.
  Miami Childrens Theater was the first children's theater in the 
Nation to be granted rights to the student edition of Les Miserables.
  More importantly, children and young adults from all over the 
community are given the opportunity to explore the arts and expand on 
their creativity both on stage and in classes.
  It is my honor and privilege to recognize the Miami Childrens Theater 
and wish all of the members the best as they work toward the next 20 
years of service to our south Florida community.


              Honoring the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
Epilepsy Foundation of Florida as it celebrates its 45th anniversary.
  From support groups to case management and medical services, the 
Epilepsy Foundation offers diverse programs and resources and serves as 
a pillar of support to the over 400,000 Floridians living with this 
condition.
  Mr. Speaker, this neurological disorder is in need of greater public 
attention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 
people with epilepsy experience health and social disparities, such as 
a worse health-related quality of life and low socioeconomic status.
  Organizations like the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida are stepping up 
to the challenge and informing communities in Florida and across our 
Nation about these issues, advocating for better public policies and 
working every day to improve the lives of individuals afflicted with 
this difficult disease through research and education. Epilepsy can 
affect anyone, children and adults alike, and it is crucial to inform 
communities on how to respond in an emergency.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my south Florida community to join and 
celebrate this wonderful organization at the annual Unmasking Epilepsy 
Masquerade on October 13 in the Coral Gables Museum, located in my 
congressional district.
  Thank you to the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida for all that it 
continues to do.

                              {time}  1015

  Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor Susan Dean, who will be retiring 
from this esteemed institution at the end of October, after 19 years of 
invaluable service to so many women Members who have made their marks 
in the Halls of Congress.
  Susan has been in charge of the magnificent Lindy Claiborne Boggs 
Congressional Women's Reading Room with professionalism, efficiency, 
and care, while keeping the historical room so immaculately preserved.

[[Page 13229]]

  From changes in leadership, to the enactment of landmark legislation, 
to the inauguration of the Capitol Visitor Center, to the unveiling of 
a myriad of statues and portraits and innumerable nights where votes 
have run past midnight, much has transpired during Susan's tenure in 
the House.
  Since I met Susan in 1997, I have heard her recount the magnificence 
of the Lindy Boggs suite, and it truly never ceases to amaze me. Susan 
has provided a great service to our constituents by graciously offering 
them a personalized tour of this hidden gem.
  The people's House will suffer a great loss with Susan's departure, 
and she will be deeply missed by her many friends here in this Chamber.
  Please join me in wishing Susan Dean all the best as she enjoys her 
first few months of retirement traveling across our country visiting 
family and friends.
  Godspeed, Susan Dean, mi amiga.

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