[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 7] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 10171-10172] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING THE BLOCH CANCER FOUNDATION ______ HON. DENNIS MOORE of kansas in the house of representatives Wednesday, June 7, 2000 Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, today I honor a family and a foundation that have changed the lives of thousands of cancer patients in our country-- Richard and Annette Bloch and the volunteers of the R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation. In 1978, Richard Bloch was told he had terminal lung cancer and that he had 3 months to live. He refused to accept this prognosis, and after two years of aggressive therapy, he was told he was cured. Since Richard's bout with cancer, he and his wife Annette have devoted their lives to helping other cancer patients. Richard, one of America's best known businessmen, sold his interest in H&R Block, Inc. and retired from the company in 1982 to be able to devote all of his efforts to fighting cancer. The Bloch Cancer Foundation, which is fully supported financially by the Bloch family, is fueled by over a thousand volunteers--other cancer survivors and supporters who share the vision of Richard and Annette Bloch, such as: Doctors who have shared their time, knowledge and expertise; Home volunteers who call newly diagnosed cancer patients and place the metaphorical arm around a shoulder. These home volunteers guide new patients through their apprehension and fears so they can face their disease with confidence; Computer specialists who have developed the web sites so patients and survivors can seek help over the Internet; Volunteers who give their time on a weekly basis to answer phones and e-mail and form the backbone of an organization committed to cancer patients; The professionals and volunteers of the Bloch Cancer Support Center; Those who help develop Cancer Survivors Parks; [[Page 10172]] Volunteers who helped to mail more than 98,000 books that were requested by cancer patients; The Board of Directors who help Dick and Annette develop and implement the programs of the foundation. I have also submitted a June 4, 2000, article from the Kansas City Star that further details the work of Richard and Annette for cancer patients in Kansas City. Mr. Speaker, on June 4 we celebrated the 15th anniversary of Cancer Survivors Day, an event that was started by the Blochs in Kansas City and is now celebrated in over 700 communities throughout the United States. June 4th also marks the 20th anniversary of the Cancer Hot Line, which has received more than 125,000 calls from newly diagnosed cancer patients since its inception in 1980. I encourage my colleagues to join me as I honor Richard and Annette Bloch and the volunteers of the R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation for twenty years of steadfast commitment to cancer patients and survivors. [From the Kansas City Star, June 4, 2000] Cancer Survivors Celebrate Another Year of Life (By Oscar Avila) On the weekend of KC150, hundreds gathered Sunday at the Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivors Park to mark other anniversaries. Cancer survivors marked personal milestones at the Celebration of Life rally. Survivors wore a button telling how many years they had survived. Participants and their families also marked the rally's 15th anniversary and the park's 10th year. But speakers and participants agreed that they don't need traditional milestones to celebrate victories over cancer. ``Every day is a celebration,'' said Maria Eades of Kansas City, North, who was diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago. ``I wake up every morning and say, `Thank you, God, for another day.' '' Jason Oldham, a television reporter who is receiving treatment for a brain tumor, said, ``Every day is a good day.'' The Blochs created the park at 47th Street and Roanoke Parkway to offer support for cancer patients and to promote awareness of the disease. Because of the family's efforts, the first Sunday in June is now celebrated throughout the country as National Cancer Survivors Day. The park's walkway was lined with booths manned by people from cancer support groups, hospitals and research institutions. Participants reunited with friends and introduced themselves to new ones. Several participants said they are convinced that this sort of emotional support can give their health a boost. Others hoped awareness of early detection and treatment would help prevent future cancer cases. ``If only one life can be saved by coming to this park and coming to this rally, then all of this is worthwhile,'' Annette Bloch said. Guest speaker Buck O'Neil, a former player and manager with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues, reminded the crowd that not everyone survives the disease. O'Neil lost his wife, Ora, to cancer in 1997. O'Neil's words, however, were in line with the rally's hopeful tone. He said his wife's struggle brought the two closer. Other speakers also shared promising news. The Blochs recently finished their 15th survivors park, in Jacksonville, Fla. And participants also hailed last week's announcement that Health Midwest and St. Luke's-Shawnee Mission Health System would open a comprehensive cancer center. O'Neil said survivors should view the future with hope, not fear. ``You've just begun,'' he said. ``God gave you another chance. That's what he did. Use it. Use it.'' ____________________