[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING STEVEN FIRESTEIN AND KIDS CANCER CONNECTION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 26, 2007

  Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Steven 
Firestein and Kids Cancer Connection and the American Cancer Fund for 
Children for the tireless work that they do on behalf of children 
suffering from cancer.
  Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa proclaimed the week of 
December 11, 2006 as ``Childhood Cancer Awareness Week'' in the city of 
Los Angeles, and since then, many other cities have done the same. I am 
pleased to join Mayor Villaraigosa and Santa Barbara Mayor Marty Blum 
in thanking Steven Firestein, the founder of American Cancer Fund for 
Children and its sister organization, Kids Cancer Connection, for his 
hard work and dedication in assisting children and their families 
fighting cancer.
  For over a decade, Steven has been providing critical services to 
children undergoing cancer treatments at many hospitals, including 
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in my Congressional District. American 
Cancer Fund for Children provides hand-made caps for children following 
the trauma of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. The American Cancer 
Fund for Children also sponsors Courageous Kid award ceremonies and 
hospital celebrations in recognition of each child's bravery and 
determination in his or her struggle against cancer. I have been 
privileged to participate in these moving ceremonies and I can say that 
they have a significant impact on the patients and their families.
  As a nurse and as Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus, I understand 
firsthand the trauma that these children and their families suffer. I 
am so pleased to work with Steven as he dedicates countless hours of 
his time to bettering the lives of so many. He is a tireless advocate 
and greatly deserves recognition for his efforts. I hope that you will 
join me in recognizing this generous volunteer.

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