S24 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 23, 2002 As we all know too well, on Sep- VACC Camp is a place where both izen. In the 1940s, Lou Groza had no tember 11, terrorists attacked our families and technology dependent time for football because he was serv- great Nation in a way many of us children can be in an environment that ing his country as a medic in Okinawa. thought unimaginable. While these allows these fragile children to do ev- Upon his return from the war, Groza acts were, indeed, horrific, instead of eryday activities that were once un- joined ’s Cleveland team leaving us frozen and helpless, so many available to them. These include ac- and capped the 1950 season with a NFL Americans have banded together and tivities such as swimming, boating, championship against the acted in ways that exemplify why this sailing, visiting malls, and many oth- . That championship country of ours is so great. The citi- ers. These children, always ventilator was the first of 12 in which Groza would zens of Akron are a perfect example of dependent and usually wheelchair compete. Throughout his 21-year ca- this. bound and afflicted with additional dis- reer, the longest serving Brown player, After deliberating about what could eases, are able to enjoy the wonders of Groza was selected for the Pro-Bowl be done to help the people of New York Florida’s nature and outdoors at no nine different times. City, the executives of the Akron Bea- cost to their families. During his football career, he totaled con Journal came up with an answer: a VACC Camp has allowed both abled an incredible 1,608 points, appeared in fund to purchase a new fire truck for and disabled children to come together 13 pro-football championship games, the city of New York. for a life broadening experience by pro- was a six-time All-NFL offensive tack- On September 16, the Akron Beacon viding an incentive for abled children le, and was the last member of the Journal opened the fund with a dona- to participate. Dr. Simpser has worked Browns inaugural team to retire. tion of $25,000 and then asked the citi- with Florida’s Miami-Dade County Groza’s outstanding service to the zens of Akron to donate, as well. The school system to create a 100 percent Browns, and to football, was rewarded people of Akron answered this call, and volunteer staff, with the school board in 1974 with his induction into the Hall responded in a resounding way. Imme- furnishing high school students with of Fame. diately, money began pouring in for service credits for their volunteer ef- Lou Groza, who dearly loved his the fund. forts. This remarkable camp, now in its hometown of Berea, OH, and the A month later, over $1.3 million had 16th year, earned Dr. Simpser the pres- Browns, was a man who really seemed been raised with donations from almost tigious 1998 Governors Community larger than life. He was nothing sort of 50,000 individuals and companies and Service Award from the College of a sports legend. When Lou retired in organizations. With this money, the Chest Physicians. 1967, it marked not only the end of his City of Akron was able to purchase a In addition to his development of football career, but the end of a glo- 95-foot ladder fire truck, as well as two VACC Camp, Dr. Simpser has estab- rious era in Browns history. EMS vehicles and three police cars. lished a pediatric asthma center for un- Lou Groza’s football achievements I am proud of the people of Akron. derprivileged children. He received a speak for themselves, but it was what And, I thank them for their extraor- combined grant which allowed him to Groza did off the field that fellow dinary gift. This donated equipment demonstrate that providing quality Clevelanders remember him for most. has done more than just help New York medical care to this population can re- After retiring from the Browns, Groza City rebuild some of what was lost. it duce emergency room visits and hos- became a partner in a successful insur- has reminded us all of the amazing pitalizations in these children by 70 ance company. He was constantly giv- things we can accomplish when we pull percent. ing back to the Cleveland community together. Their gift was one from the He has also established a Cystic Fi- through charitable organizations, such heart and I thank each and every one brosis Center in South Florida, the as the ‘‘Taste of the NFL,’’ which has who helped make this possible.∑ first such center to be associated with raised millions for the hungry. Groza f the National Cystic Fibrosis Founda- always had the time to sign an auto- graph and often was overheard saying: HONORING DR. MOISES SIMPSER tion. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation honored him as the recipient of the ‘‘I’m no better than the fans who root- ∑ Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, today I first Lucent Technologies Humani- ed for me all those years.’’ pay tribute to a fine humanitarian and tarian of the Year Award. In speaking of a man who cared so Floridian, Dr. Moises Simpser. Dr. Simpser’s altruism and dedica- much of his community and his team, Throughout his career as a pediatric tion to quality health care for children we should not forget another Brown pulmonologist, Dr. Simpser has worked regardless of race, gender, and eco- star recently passed away. That man is for the well-being of all sick children; nomic status are a positive statement Eric Turner. He was a safety, who was particularly those that are technology for doctors across America. Dr. drafted second overall, the first defen- dependent and otherwise referred to as Simpser has been honored and should sive player to be picked that high since ‘‘fragile children.’’ Dr. Simpser’s goal be admired for the good he does every 1956. Although he only played a few has been an admirable one—to achieve day, for his persistence in always im- years in Cleveland before the team was the best medical care for all children of proving the delivery of quality moved to , Eric made it all economic strata and backgrounds. healthcare, and for his vision to meet known that his heart would never leave Since his arrival in Florida in 1984, the needs of severely debilitated chil- the Browns of their wonderful fans. Dr. Simpser has been an unyielding ad- dren. I am indeed proud to acknowl- Eric was an active participant in the vocate for the young patient. As Dr. edge the work of Dr. Moises Simpser.∑ United Way, a devoted father, and a Simpser’s patients are technology de- f mentor to his teammates. His warm pendent, they were only cared for in In- personality and generosity are truly tensive Care Units of hospitals, where TRIBUTE TO LOU ‘‘THE TOE’’ missed. they became virtual prisoners in the GROZA AND ERIC TURNER Lou Groza and Eric Turner had a love unit. He fought diligently for the State ∑ Mr. DEWINE. Mr. President, today I for football and for those around them. of Florida to cover the cost of honor two titans of the gridiron—Lou They gave to their team, to their fami- homecare for a ventilator dependent ‘‘The Toe’’ Groza and Eric Turner. lies, and to their communities. I think child. Through this program, even the These men both played football for the it is only fitting that we give a little youngest of children on ventilators . And, sadly, both back to them by honoring them today were sent home for care in their famil- have passed away, leaving enormous and by keeping them and their families iar and familial environments. How- voids not only in the lives of their fam- in our prayers. ever, even at home, the children in- ilies and friends, but also in the hearts I feel honored today to stand before creasingly became isolated within of the millions of fans who admired this body and pay my respects to these their own four walls. To help free these them. two fine men. They both displayed children, Dr. Simpser developed and I’d like to spend a few minutes tell- courage on the playing field, as well as founded the first Ventilator Assisted ing my colleagues about these two in their own personal battles. Each Children’s Center Camp or VACC men. Both on and off the field, Lou man fought their failing health. Each Camp. Groza was a model sportsman and cit- man fought the good fight.

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