Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Catherine A. Minnis, a strong and well-known advocate for breast cancer awareness in South Florida.

In 2006, Ms. Minnis overcame a cancer scare when a lump found by her doctor turned out to be benign. That same year, a former boss died from breast cancer. Shortly thereafter, Ms. Minnis joined the Dade-Monroe Unit of The American Cancer Society and was named Volunteer of the Year for her activism in the fight against breast cancer and for raising nearly 400,000 dollars for cancer research. A coffee-table book with stories from breast cancer survivors written by Ms. Minnis to empower, educate and encourage women with breast cancer and breast cancer survivors, will be released in November of 2012.

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However, thanks to the work Ms. Minnis is doing and improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize Catherine A. Minnis, a long-term advocate for breast cancer awareness, for her dedication and commitment to our community and the fight against breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a South Florida philanthropist and public servant, Attorney Larry R. Handfield, who is the first graduate of Bethune-Cookman University, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, to have two on-campus buildings named in his honor, the ``Dr. Larry R. Handfield Athletic Training Center'' and the ``Dr. Larry R. Handfield Music Building.''

Attorney Handfield is a nationally known trial lawyer who has received national recognition for his work within the judicial system. He has been appointed to three statewide commission posts by three different Governors. He was first appointed to the Statewide Sentencing Guideline Commission by Governor Robert Martinez. Florida Governor Lawton Chiles appointed Attorney Handfield to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the Miami-Dade County Court System. And his third appointment was to the post of State Commissioner to the Statewide Ethics Commission by Florida Governor Charlie Crist.

Mr. Handfield is currently Chairman of the Board of Bethune-Cookman University, and he is the first of its graduates to hold the position.

Attorney Handfield received his bachelor's degree from Bethune- Cookman University and then rcceived the degree of Juris Doctor from Howard University, School of Law, located in Washington, D.C. The degree of Doctor of Law was later conferred on by Bethune-Cookman University. Mr. Handfield has worked as a Federal Prosecutor, and as a State Prosecutor under former United States Attorney General, Janet Reno.

Mr. Handfield's accomplishments are too numerous to count, and he has truly lived up to his motto: ``Service is the price we pay for the space we occupy on this earth.''

Please join me in honoring and recognizing Attorney Larry R. Handfield for his dedication and commitment to his community, family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida,

I rise today, as a descendant of Bahamians, to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Bahamian Independence and to pay tribute to its citizens and Bahamian-Americans living in South Florida and across the United States. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, the Islands of the Bahamas became an Independent

Commonwealth Country on July 10, 1973, after centuries of

British rule;

Whereas, the proud people who, through uncertainty and

tough economic times, remained steadfast and determined to

build a brighter future after their hard-fought independence,

showed great strength and unwavering will;

Whereas, today, The Bahamas has a thriving economy built

around tourism and financial services; the tenacious and

enduring spirit of the Bahamian people, and its rich

traditions and culture;

Whereas, Bahamians and Bahamian-Americans have made

significant contributions to the United States through the

arts & humanities, business, activism, local and national

government, and remain an integral part of the South Florida

Community; and

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson,

a Member of the United States House of Representatives,

representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida, and

a person of Bahamian descent, am proud to recognize the 40th

Anniversary of this resilient, free and sovereign nation, and

pay tribute to the wonderful people and descendants who make

it great.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize the late Mrs. Jeanet Grayson, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, friend, and a devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Mrs. Jeanet Grayson was the rock and foundation of

her large and loving family of seventeen children, sixty-

eight grandchildren, sixty-three great grandchildren, ten

great-great grandchildren, two brothers, two nephews, two

nieces, two great nephews, one great niece, two Godchildren,

three adopted daughters, seven sisters-in-law and six

brothers-in-law;

Whereas, Mrs. Grayson was entrusted with the lives of

hundreds of school children and took great responsibility in

caring for them as a bus driver and food service provider

with Miami Dade County Public Schools, and as a bus driver

and student attendant at Whole Word Christian Academy;

Whereas, Mrs. Grayson was a founder of The Road Runners, an

organization of Southwest Transportation;

Whereas, Mrs. Grayson was a faithful member of Bethel

Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and was a driver

for the Evangelism Ministry; and

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson,

a Member of the United States House of Representatives,

representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida,

commend the late Mrs. Jeanet Grayson for her dedication to

her family and friends, her church and for her commitment to

our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor the late Mr. Clarance Patterson, a devoted public servant, union representative, husband, father and friend. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Mr. Patterson's career as a Waste Management

expert, City Manager and Union Representative spanned sixty

years;

Whereas, Mr. Patterson held the position of Superintendent

of the Department of Solid Waste for Metropolitan Dade

County, was appointed the first Black director for the City

of Miami's Solid Waste Department and held the position of

Assistant Manager for the city of Miami;

Whereas, Mr. Patterson also served as City Manager for the

cities of North Miami and Opa Locka; Assistant City Manager

of Miami Springs, Director of Solid Waste and Public Works;

and Director of Public Works for the city of South Miami;

Whereas, Mr. Patterson was an advocate for city, county and

state employees and served as an international staff

representative for the American Federation of State, County,

and Municipal Employees (AFL-CIO) for seven years;

Whereas, Mr. Patterson was a faithful and active member of

the King of Hearts and the Kiwanis Club, Greater Bethel

African Methodist Episcopal Church and Universal Truth

Center; and

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson,

a Member of the United States House of Representatives,

representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida,

commend the late Mr. Clarance ``Pat'' Patterson for his

unwavering commitment and dedication to his family, his

church, and our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as a descendant of Caribbeans, to recognize National Caribbean American Heritage Month and the countless contributions made to South Florida by Caribbeans and their descendants.

National Caribbean American Heritage Month reminds us of the diversity of the people and cultures that make South Florida great and like no other community in the world.

Let us remember the early Caribbean immigrants who helped build and settle South Florida.

Let us pay tribute to the Caribbean Americans in South Florida who helped shape the American dream and continue to work to make it accessible to all who seek it and its promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Let us be proud of the contributions made by Caribbean Americans to education, business, the arts and politics.

Let us mark National Caribbean American Heritage Month by supporting individuals and organizations that continue to build upon the foundation of economic inclusion and equal rights.

While there are countless shining examples of groups and organizations working to improve the quality of life for all South Floridians, I include in the Record the Caribbean organizations listed below for their commitment and dedication to making a difference in our community:

Association of Caribbean Law Students, Caribbean Bar

Association, Caribbean Students Association (FIU), Caribbean

Today, and Caribbean-American Visual Cultural Preservation.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida,

I rise today to recognize the Reverend Nigel Leon Lovell-Martin, dedicated servant of God, respected spiritual leader, educator, and community activist, who is celebrating 25 years as the Pastor of Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church in Miami, Florida. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Reverend Lovell-Martin is credited with bringing

stability to struggling Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church,

when he became pastor in 1997, and building, over the past 25

years, a sound foundation for the church that is supported by

loyal and dedicated members;

Whereas, Reverend Lovell-Martin has initiated numerous

successful ministries at the church that tackle issues facing

youth and adults, the poor and the homeless;

Whereas, Reverend Lovell-Martin is an adjunct professor at

Florida Atlantic University, holds a Ph.D., a Masters, and

several other degrees in Education and raises money yearly

for scholarships to help students further their education;

Whereas, Reverend Lovell-Martin served the Presbyterian

Church in various capacities including as commissioner to the

214th and the 219th General Assemblies, commissioner to the

11th stated meeting of the Synod of South Atlantic,

presbytery staff and moderator, and Committee/Commissioner on

Ministry moderator; and

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson,

a member of the United States House of Representatives,

representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida, am

honored to recognize Reverend Doctor Nigel Leon Lovell-Martin

on his 25th anniversary as pastor of Myrtle Grove

Presbyterian Church, for his commitment to God, his

congregation and our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Karol Toomer, a breast cancer survivor and secretary of Miami, Florida, Chapter of Sisters Network Incorporated.

Ms. Toomer was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. In September of 2012, Ms. Toomer, who has been a strong advocate for breast cancer awareness, became the Secretary for the Miami Chapter of Sisters Network, Inc., a national African-American breast cancer survivorship organization. Its mission is to address the needs particular to African-American women, the underinsured and the underserved around the country by getting the message out that ``we must stop the silence about breast cancer so women can start beating the odds.'' The organization has since provided a strong support group for hundreds of women with breast cancer, as well as survivors in South Florida.

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However, thanks to the work Ms. Toomer is doing and improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize Karol Toomer, a breast cancer survivor and secretary of the Miami Chapter of Sisters Network, for her dedication and commitment to our community and the fight against breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to LaRhonda Lampkin Sharp, a breast cancer survivor, and co- founder and treasurer of the Miami, Florida, Chapter of Sisters Network Incorporated.

Mrs. Sharp was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. In 2011, she and four other breast cancer survivors founded the Miami Chapter of Sisters Network, Inc., a national African-American breast cancer survivorship organization. Its mission is to address the needs particular to African-American women, the underinsured and the underserved around the country by getting the message out that ``we must stop the silence about breast cancer so women can start beating the odds.'' The organization has since provided a strong support group for hundreds of women with breast cancer, as well as survivors in South Florida.

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However, thanks to the work Mrs. Sharp is doing and improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize LaRhonda Lampkin Sharp, a breast cancer survivor and co-founder and treasure of the Miami Chapter of Sisters Network, for her dedication and commitment to our community and the fight against breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Felicia Weatherspoon, a breast cancer survivor and co- founder of the Tenaciously Pink Cancer Support Group at Trinity Church, in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Ms. Weatherspoon was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996. After more than a decade of activism and advocacy for breast cancer awareness, Ms. Weatherspoon helped found the Tenaciously Pink Cancer Support Group, in May of 2012. The support group meets every fourth Sunday. Its mission is to provide spiritual one-on-one support to people undergoing treatment for cancer and comfort the patients, care givers, and their families. Tenaciously Pink also hopes to enable cancer patients/ survivors and supporters to look beyond the diagnoses to cope with treatments and resume living life to its fullest.

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However, thanks to the work Ms. Weatherspoon is doing and improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize Felicia Weatherspoon, a breast cancer survivor and co-founder of The Tenaciously Pink Support Groups, for her dedication and commitment to our community and the fight against breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Patricia Johnson, a breast cancer survivor, and co-founder of the Tenaciously Pink Cancer Support Group at Trinity Church, in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Ms. Johnson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. After many years of activism and an advocacy for breast cancer awareness, Ms. Johnson helped found the Tenaciously Pink Cancer Support Group in May of 2012. The support group meets every fourth Sunday. Its mission is to provide spiritual one-on-one support to people undergoing treatment for cancer and comfort the patients, care givers, and their families. Tenaciously Pink also hopes to enable cancer patients/survivors and supporters to look beyond the diagnoses, cope with treatments, and resume living life to its fullest.

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However, thanks to the work Ms. Johnson is doing and improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too, Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize Patricia Johnson, a breast cancer survivor and co-founder of the Tenaciously Pink Support Groups, for her dedication and commitment to our community and the fight against breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Edith Morgan, founder of the Mom-2-Mom 58 Foundation, in Miami, Florida, a support group for mothers that focuses on issues such as breast cancer, child safety and empowerment, juvenile delinquency, domestic violence and many other topics.

The Mom-2-Mom 58 Foundation is a non-profit faith-based organization that was born

out of the tragic death of the late Kansas City Chief linebacker Derrick Thomas on February 8, 2000. Thomas' death was the result of a car accident; he was not wearing a seatbelt. His mother, Mrs. Morgan, felt a pressing need to get the word out to other mothers about the importance of training our children in the use of seat belts. She also realized there were other issues she wanted to address, wherein she could be of service to the community. In 2006, the Mom-2-Mom 58 Foundation started a breast cancer support group, and each year holds a fundraising walk and spa day for women with breast cancer and survivors. The goal is to empower and to encourage women with breast cancer and survivors of breast cancer.

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However, thanks to the work Mrs. Morgan is doing and improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize Edith Morgan, founder of the Mom-2-Mom 58 Foundation, for her dedication and commitment to our community and the fight against breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Adrian B. McClenney, a breast cancer survivor and co-founder and president of the Miami, Florida, Chapter of Sisters Network Incorporated.

Mrs. McClenney was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. During treatment and her search to find support, she learned about Sisters Network, Inc., a national African-American breast cancer survivorship organization. Its mission is to address the needs particular to African-American women, the underinsured and the underserved around the country by getting the message out that ``we must stop the silence about breast cancer so women can start beating the odds.'' Mrs. McClenney contacted the organization and was so moved by their support and encouragement that in 2012, she and three other breast cancer survivors founded the Miami Chapter of Sisters Network.

The organization has since provided a strong support group for hundreds of women with breast cancer, as well as survivors in South Florida.

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However, thanks to the work Mrs. McClenney is doing and improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize Adrian B. McClenney, a breast cancer survivor and co-founder and president of the Miami Chapter of Sisters Network, for her dedication and commitment to our community and the fight against breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Andrea Ivory, a breast cancer survivor and the founder of The Women's Breast Health Initiative (WBHI) in Hialeah, Florida.

Ms. Ivory was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. While she was fortunate that her breast cancer was detected early and that she had insurance and access to doctors, she knew that many other women did not. To better the odds for at-risk women with fewer resources, she founded the Women's Breast Health Initiative in 2008. WBHI is an outreach organization dedicated to educating women about the importance of breast health and providing them with the resources to beat the disease.

Since it was founded, WBHI has delivered literature to 50,000 households and by use of a mammography van, the organization has provided free breast cancer screening for thirteen hundred women. For her contributions to the fight against breast cancer, Ms. Ivory was named Cable News Network's (CNN) Hero, in 2009. CNN ``Heroes'' is a tribute to ordinary people changing the world.

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her

life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However, thanks the work Ms. Ivory is doing and improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize Andrea Ivory, a breast cancer survivor and founder of The Women's Breast Health Initiative, for her dedication and commitment to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Vice Mayor Felicia M. Brunson, chairman of West Park Relay For Life, in West Park, Florida. Relay For Life is the main volunteer- driven cancer fundraising event of the American Cancer Society.

Vice Mayor Brunson lost her grandmother to breast cancer in 1996. In 2006 she formed West Park Relay For Life. Through community-based fundraising and little corporate sponsorship, West Park Relay For Life has raised more than $150,000 in the fight against breast cancer.

In 2010, Vice Mayor Brunson was the driving force behind the City of West Park designating the third week in October as ``Paint the City Pink Week.''

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However,

thanks to improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize Vice Mayor Felicia M. Brunson for her dedication and commitment to empowering women in the fight against breast cancer.