Floor SpeechNeutral2025-03-11

HONORING THE LEGACY AND STRENGTH OF LAUREN SMALL

Context

On 2025-03-11, Representative Vince Fong (R-CA-20) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LEGACY AND STRENGTH OF LAUREN SMALL" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E208-E209] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LEGACY AND STRENGTH OF LAUREN SMALL ______ HON. VINCE FONG of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Lauren Paige Small, whose courage in the face of cancer will continue to inspire countless individuals. Lauren Small was born on August 1, 1994, to her caring parents, Kevin and Tuesdy in [[Page E209]] Bakersfield, California. She was an engaged student at both Olive Drive Elementary and Norris Middle School, with hobbies including music, horseback riding, tennis, swimming. wakeboarding, skiing, and eating her favorite food--mashed potatoes. Though many people fear riding or simply mounting a horse, Lauren fearlessly pranced and galloped on her cherished horse, Nickel Citation Nickie, winning Rookie of the Year, Champion Walk/Job, and placing in the top ten finalists at the 2005 Bakersfield Open Horse Show. She won these awards and pursued these hobbies while she fought an intense battle with cancer, one to which she would unfortunately succumb on December 1, 2005. Though cancer had cruelly afflicted Lauren since 2003, she shocked her doctors, parents, and peers with her continued joy in life. Even as she endured the pains of chemotherapy and other health related challenges, she remained positive and continued to pursue her passion for horseback riding. While Lauren is no longer with us, her drive and enthusiasm in her final years remain in the memories of all those who knew her. Lauren is survived by her parents, her brother, Kyle, great aunt, her grandparents, aunts, uncles, great uncles, and cousins, all of whom continue to deeply love and miss her. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me as we remember the undaunted life of Lauren Small and carry on her legacy of upholding strength.

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HONORING THE LEGACY AND STRENGTH OF LAUREN SMALL Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E208-E209] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LEGACY AND STRENGTH OF LAUREN SMALL ______ HON. VINCE FONG of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 11, 2025 Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Lauren Paige Small, whose courage in the face of cancer will continue to inspire countless individuals. Lauren Small was born on August 1, 1994, to her caring parents, Kevin and Tuesdy in [[Page E209]] Bakersfield, California. She was an engaged student at both Olive Drive Elementary and Norris Middle School, with hobbies including music, horseback riding, tennis, swimming. wakeboarding, skiing, and eating her favorite food--mashed potatoes. Though many people fear riding or simply mounting a horse, Lauren fearlessly pranced and galloped on her cherished horse, Nickel Citation Nickie, winning Rookie of the Year, Champion Walk/Job, and placing in the top ten finalists at the 2005 Bakersfield Open Horse Show. She won these awards and pursued these hobbies while she fought an intense battle with cancer, one to which she would unfortunately succumb on December 1, 2005. Though cancer had cruelly afflicted Lauren since 2003, she shocked her doctors, parents, and peers with her continued joy in life. Even as she endured the pains of chemotherapy and other health related challenges, she remained positive and continued to pursue her passion for horseback riding. While Lauren is no longer with us, her drive and enthusiasm in her final years remain in the memories of all those who knew her. Lauren is survived by her parents, her brother, Kyle, great aunt, her grandparents, aunts, uncles, great uncles, and cousins, all of whom continue to deeply love and miss her. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me as we remember the undaunted life of Lauren Small and carry on her legacy of upholding strength.