Honoring Linda White-Epps For Her Lifetime of Outstanding Service

HONORING LINDA WHITE-EPPS FOR HER LIFETIME OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE-HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO (Extensions of Remarks - October 11, 2004)

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and great admiration that I rise today to pay tribute to an exceptional woman whose endless energy and dedication touched the lives of all who knew her and many who did not. It has been one year since Linda White-Epps was taken from her family, friends, and community after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. A tireless advocate and inspiring soul, Linda's message of strength and support continues through the organization she founded, Sister's Journey.

After losing an aunt as well as another significant person in her life to cancer and being diagnosed with breast cancer herself, Linda made it her life's purpose to ensure that no woman be "alone" in the battle with breast cancer. Linda always held a strong belief in the importance of sharing her story with others-to hide it was to allow the disease to win. She began Sister's Journey, a support group for women of color surviving breast cancer. She went on to create an annual calendar with each month highlighting the story of a survivor. The calender serves a tangible and visible source of encouragement-sending a message of hope to other woman striving for survivorship.

I had many opportunities to work with Linda over the years and I was always in awe of her constant energy and unwavering commitment to her cause. She strongly believed in the need for awareness, education, and outreach to those diagnosed with breast cancer and their loved ones. Linda brought the battle to the community and to Washington. The American Cancer Society was just one of the many organizations for which Linda volunteered her time. In fact, she served as a lobbyist for the organization in Washington, highlighting the concerns of Connecticut and making sure legislators knew just how vital increased funding for research and education are-not only to those fighting breast cancer, but for those who had survived as well. Linda was also responsible for organizing the first Relay for Life event in Hamden, Connecticut-now an annual event that serves as one of the largest fundraisers for the American Cancer Society.

Linda's accomplishments and advocacy did not go unrecognized. Throughout her life she was honored with a myriad of awards and acknowledgments. Perhaps the most prestigious of these many accolades was when Linda was recognized with the "Points of Light Award" in 2002. Bestowed by the President of the United States, this special honor celebrates the success of volunteers and highlights the impact that individuals have on their communities. For Linda, this was a most fitting tribute. Her efforts have left an indelible mark on our community and one cannot say enough about the difference she has made in the lives of others.

This year marks the 6th Anniversary of the "Pink Tea", an annual "Celebration of Survivorship," where the Sister's Journey Calendar has traditionally been unveiled. This year's event will indeed be special as members remember Linda's efforts and honor her memory by continuing her work. I am proud to join her mother, Phyllis White; her children, Dawn and George; her grandchildren, Dominique and Donvan; family, friends, and colleagues in honoring Linda White-Epps for her outstanding service and invaluable contributions to our community. Linda's legacy will continue to inspire and support those most in need.