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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E551-E552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING GAIL ORCUTT AS THE IOWAN OF THE WEEK
______
HON. CYNTHIA AXNE
of iowa
in the house of representatives
Thursday, June 18, 2020
Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of
Representatives to join me in honoring the late Gail Orcutt of Pleasant
Hill, Iowa as Iowan of the Week.
A lifelong Iowan, Gail worked as a teacher for more than three
decades before retiring in 2008. Two years later, after experiencing
what she thought was a case of spring allergies, Gail was diagnosed
with lung cancer: a big surprise for someone who had never smoked. Upon
discovering her illness was caused by radon, she embarked on a years-
long effort to educate herself and others on the dangers of radon
exposure and importance of mitigation, all while battling lung cancer
as a chronic illness and using her experiences to inspire hope in
others fighting cancer.
During my first year in Congress, my team and I had the pleasure of
working with Gail on multiple occasions to raise awareness of important
issues in health care. She lent her voice to roundtable discussions on
affordability of prescription drugs and accessibility to quality care,
and her powerful, personal story always made an impact on everyone
present. She was a frequent contributor to community discussions held
by organizations like AARP Iowa and American Cancer Society Cancer
Action Network, all with an aim of educating others. She spent time
passionately advocating to state legislators and lawmakers in
Washington for policies that would better inform the public about radon
and mandate radon testing in schools. She still found time to volunteer
for organizations like Free to Breathe and participate in the American
Lung Association's Fight for Air Climb--Des Moines, climbing the stairs
of multiple downtown buildings post-treatment with one lung. Suffice it
to say, she was a unique force for positive change.
I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to follow in
Gail's footsteps and educate Iowans about radon testing and mitigation.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas; you cannot see, smell,
or taste it, but it may be present in your home or school building.
While harmless in small amounts, breathing in elevated levels of radon
can lead to serious illness. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung
cancer, and we lose hundreds of Iowans every year to this illness. Five
out of every seven homes in Iowa have an unacceptable level of radon,
and it is recommended homeowners test their homes for radon every two
years. The Iowa Radon Hotline at 1-800-383-5992 is a valuable resource
to not only get answers to your questions, but also to order a testing
kit to keep you and your family safe.
I admire Gail's courage, grace, and grit in the face of unimaginable
challenge. Her legacy of teaching, advocating, and giving hope to those
battling cancer is a beautiful example of Iowan values: persevering
through difficult times, bettering the lives of those around you
through hard work and dedication, and leaving something meaningful
behind for future generations. Her work made a difference. I extend my
sincere condolences to her loved ones during this difficult time and am
keeping them in my prayers. Iowa is a better place because of neighbors
like Gail Orcutt, and I am proud to honor her as Iowan of the Week.
[[Page E552]]
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