July 16, 2008

Seven-year-old John Cloer from Sierra Madre, Calif. -- one of Congressman David Dreier’s youngest constituents – and a Tee Ball enthusiast -- is among 51 youngsters from across the U.S. chosen to play in an All-Star Tee Ball Game July 16 on the White House South Lawn. About 800,000 American youngsters aged 4-7 participate in Little League’s Tee Ball division. John, who will be representing California in the event, is a cancer survivor. On Feb, 2, 2004, three months before his third birthday, he was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and underwent treatment for nearly four years at City of Hope. His parents, Bill and Gina, credit City of Hope for saving John’s life, and credit Tee Ball for helping to normalize John’s childhood. His coach, Mike Comer agrees. “Being part of a team, practicing and hanging out in the dugout with his friends has been an important part of John’s healing,” said Comer, adding that the boy “epitomizes the very best in Tee Ball.”

Congressman Dreier had the privilege of meeting John and his family in his office in Washington this week. “I’m so glad I got the opportunity to meet John, his mom and dad, and his brother, during their visit to our nation’s capitol. John is a great kid and obviously a very talented Tee Ball player. His story of persistence and recovery is truly remarkable. We are so blessed to have a facility like City of Hope in Duarte. John is living proof of the fantastic work they do.”

City of Hope is a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope’s research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is located in Duarte, Calif., just northeast of Los Angeles, and is ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer and urology by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org.