November 19, 2002 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2089 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS ESSAY BY RACHEL SPELLMAN about how great it would feel to pull my hair pany, a division of Pacific Coast Building back into a ponytail and not have a wig fall Products, Inc. Through his trademark hard off. Flowing. Like the little mermaid, her work and dedication, David was named the HON. JOHN B. LARSON long hair dancing about her as she swims. OF CONNECTICUT Yeah, that’s it, I want to be Ariel. It really Chief Financial Officer for Pacific Coast Build- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES would be great. In gym class the kids are ing Products in 1979. Under his leadership, Tuesday, November 19, 2002 sweeping past, I am unable to keep up. My Pacific Coast Building Products was awarded skin is scarred. My hands are wrinkly. I am the prestigious ‘‘Best in the Business’’ award- Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I constantly being mistaken for 10 when actu- ed by the Sacremento Chamber of Com- rise today to insert an essay by one of my ally being 14. The list could go on forever. merce. In addition, the company was also re- constituents, Ms. Rachel Spellman, into the But what hurts the most is not having a cently recognized as one of the ten Most Ad- CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. Rachel’s eloquent friend to talk with. No one ever takes me se- mired Companies in the Sacramento area. remarks regarding her struggle with cancer riously. I often blame this lack of true com- panions on cancer. I find my favorite part of Perhaps, most impressively, the company has have been an inspiration to me and I believe maintained a regular presence on the influen- that we all can benefit from her positive out- the day is coming home. I finally get to re- move the things that I use to try to fit in tial Forbes 500 list under David’s tenure. All in look and the thankfulness with which she and appear normal. Shut the front door, take all, David has steadfastly represented the in- greets each day. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I off the heeled shoes, remove the itchy wig to terests of Pacific Coast Building Products with would urge my colleagues to read this won- reveal my short dull brown wisps, and slip great honor and results for the past three dec- derful essay and join me in saluting Rachel for into some comfy clothes that are more me. I ades. her strength in her battle with this disease. feel like a player exiting the stage. Remov- Aside from his contributions to Pacific Coast ing my costume, I shake off the character of I CAN BREATHE the day. On stage, I must hide my true emo- Building Products, David has also offered his (By Rachel Spellman) tions and let this other character shine valuable services to a number of worthy com- You have cancer. Imagine hearing that. through. I get so good at it, I even fool my- munity organizations. David has been a long You have cancer. I was only two and didn’t self. time member of the Big Brother/Big Sisters understand. Everyone has to go to the hos- However, the tears are real; that is irref- Foundation. In addition David has also been a pital everyday and get tested, pricked, poked utable. That is when I know I have stopped member of the Sutter Club, California State and x-rayed, right? I hadn’t the faintest idea pretending. Show’s over. My mother, a University Sacramento, the Sacramento Busi- how in danger my life was. I am glad I was strong and inspiring woman, has always been ness Advisory Board, and a Board of Trustee so young and naive, so I didn’t emotionally there to for me, but this need to connect fall apart. But it does bother me that I can- with peers is overwhelming. Sometimes, I member to the Sacramento Regional Founda- not remember anything. Only little flash- feel guilty for my emotions. There are so tion and Sacramento Neighborhood Housing backs and stories from my parents can evoke many amazing things about life! What right Service. David is also associated with Suc- the slightest hint of a memory. I am fighting do I have to feel like this? I am selfish. I’m ceed Catholic Social Service. an emotional and sometimes a physical bat- alive, aren’t I? Survivor guild perhaps. My It is not surprising that David has been tle everyday. I learn to take one day at a mother says its OK to be upset. I guess I be- widely recognized for his involvement in the time. I can do it. Just one day at a time. lieve her. Juggling these feelings and those community. In 1996, David was named by the Having lived with cancer has taught me of a regular teenager can get very nerve Sacramento Diocese as the Distinguished many of life’s hard lessons. I feel an immense racking. I’m not sure of too much, but I appreciation for life itself. Just being alive. know one thing. It’ll take time. Just time. Catholic School Graduate of the year. Earlier Now, eleven years in remission, I know how One must remember that painful days will in 1993, David was appointed by Governor lucky I am and I am so very grateful for my pass. Often they pass too soon. Waste not Pete Wilson to serve on the California Con- second chance. My experience has taught me your time here; we live in a wonderful place. tractors State License Board. In 1997, David to believe in something stronger than my- Smile. Take pleasure in the simple things and his wife, Chris, were the proud recipients self. I learned to have hope and faith during and see the complicated ones as a challenge, of the Philanthropist Couple Award in recogni- hard times. One must slow down to notice a new journey. The little stresses of each day tion for all their charitable work over the years. the small things and how simply pure and should be seen as a comedy of errors; enjoy Dave’s unparalleled success in the board- wonderful they are. Even those little, annoy- your mistakes and remember to keep your ing things you know you wouldn’t have any life in perspective. Above all, love. Love sim- room and in the community truly makes him other way. ply the fact that you are here, and that when one of Sacramento’s most accomplished and The doctor called my parents three days you awake each morning, you can breathe. treasured citizens. His commitment to help early and he said to come in right away. It’s For your breath might stagger occasionally, others is a shining example to everyone who not important. I had myelodysplasia, a ma- but you’re still going. In. Out. In. Out. One follows his leadership. lignant disease of the bone marrow cells. day at a time. In. Out. In. Mr. Speaker, as David Lucchetti’s friends Chemotherapy and radiation were not enough. I needed a bone marrow transplant. f and family gather for his honorary luncheon, I Allyson, my sister, was a match. I was very am honored to pay tribute to one of Sac- lucky. It is very hard to find donors. The TRIBUTE TO DAVID LUCCHETTI ramento’s most honorable residents. His suc- procedure hurt her more than it hurt me. I cesses are considerable, and it is a great was in the hospital for about 4 months HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI honor for me to have the opportunity to pay straight. The next year I was in, on and off, OF CALIFORNIA tribute to his contributions. I ask all my col- for follow up. I had an IV put in my chest to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES leagues to join with me in wishing David put meds, and sometimes food, through. I Lucchetti continued success in all his future still have a scar on my neck and chest from Tuesday, November 19, 2002 it. I was on immunosuppressive drugs for 8 endeavors. years, until I was 10. An endless list of pills Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to f and liquids to take everyday. I am now doing David Lucchetti, one of Sacramento’s most much better and only go to the hospital outstanding citizen leaders. David is retiring TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE about every three months or so. It’s very after many years of wonderful contributions to SANDRA L. KOFFMAN hard to listen to people tell me about their the Sacramento Neighborhood Housing Serv- little cuts and bruises when I know the ice Board of Trustees. As his friends and fam- HON. SAM FARR things that really do hurt. ily gather to celebrate David’s numerous I often feel alienated and different. OF CALIFORNIA ‘‘Friends’’ do not understand me, but I really achievements, I ask all of my colleagues to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES join with me in saluting one of Sacramento’s shouldn’t expect them to. That doesn’t make Tuesday, November 19, 2002 it any easier. I am so different. Girls talk of most accomplished citizens. their highlights and sloppily braid each oth- David began his illustrious career in 1970 Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise er’s hair. Looking in the mirror, I think when he was hired by Anderson Lumber Com- today to recognize a very special woman, the ∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.