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[Page H8304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
BLOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Carter) for 5 minutes.
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Blood
Cancer Awareness Month this past September.
Including leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and
more, around 14,000 Americans are diagnosed with blood cancer types
each month.
Although a staggering statistic, doctors and researchers across the
globe have made significant advances since the 1960s. For some blood
cancers, survival rates have more than quadrupled.
As with any illness, early detection is important; so I encourage
everyone to see their doctor, get a check-up, and discuss whether they
have had any symptoms that could be related to blood cancer.
Mr. Speaker, if you have had bone pain, frequent nose bleeds, or tiny
red spots on your skin, I especially encourage you to see a doctor.
I will continue supporting researchers to make further advances in
eradicating these diseases.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize October
2019 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Workplaces that welcome the talents of all people, including people
with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an
inclusive community and a strong economy.
In the First Congressional District of Georgia, I want to especially
recognize Goodwill Southeast Georgia, which is working to raise
awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and
varied contributions of people with disabilities.
Activities they are working on this month reinforce the value and
talent that people with disabilities add to our workplaces and
communities while affirming Goodwill Southeast Georgia's commitment to
an inclusive community.
I encourage employers, schools, and other community organizations
around the country to observe this month with programs and activities,
and to advance the important message that people with disabilities are
capable of surpassing any obstacle.
{time} 1030
Congratulations to Scott Isaacks
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr.
Scott Isaacks for receiving the inaugural South Carolina Hospital
Association Drive to Zero Harm Leadership Award.
As director and CEO of the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in
Charleston, South Carolina, Mr. Isaacks oversees 3,100 employees, who
are some of the best that the VA has to offer.
The first award of its kind in South Carolina, Mr. Isaacks and his VA
medical center are being recognized for their exceptional work in
creating a culture of high reliability and eliminating harm from all
facets of care.
This high-quality care is particularly important to the First
Congressional District of Georgia because of the large number of
veterans using the VA medical center there in Charleston. Our veterans
are our Nation's heroes, and they deserve the best when they return
home, which is why I am so proud to see Mr. Isaacks working hard to
achieve this goal.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Isaacks for his service to our veterans and
congratulations on his award.
In Remembrance of James W. Boykin
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life
of Mr. James W. Boykin, who passed away at the age of 80 on October 3.
In Jesup, Georgia, nearly everything and everyone seems to have been
impacted by Mr. Boykin.
During his term serving as Wayne County commissioner, he was a
staunch supporter of projects to boost recreation activities, and now
there is even a community lake named in his honor.
He took over his father's construction company in 1975 and worked to
grow the business for over 25 years, being largely responsible for its
size and success today. But whether in business, government, church, or
simply playing sports, Mr. Boykin was always well-respected and
continuously mentoring all who knew him.
Through all of his passion to improve his community and the lives of
others, he never let his four battles with cancer ever impact his
attitude or dedication.
I am proud to have had someone like Mr. James Boykin in the First
Congressional District of Georgia. His family and friends will be in my
thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
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