President George W. Bush will meet Laura Wheat upon arrival in Dallas, Texas on Wednesday, October 29, 2003. Wheat, a breast cancer survivor, has been an active volunteer with Gilda’s Club North Texas for the past four years.

Earlier this year, President Bush celebrated the first anniversary of the USA Freedom Corps – his initiative to engage all Americans in service to their neighbors and their nation. President Bush is recognizing individuals around the country, like Wheat, who are answering the call to volunteer service.

Since 1999, Wheat has been an active volunteer with Gilda’s Club North Texas, the Texas affiliate of the national nonprofit organization created in memory of comedian Gilda Radner to help anyone affected by cancer - free of charge. Wheat currently serves as chairman of the board of directors for Gilda’s Club North Texas, participates in events and activities to support patients and their families and regularly speaks in public about breast cancer awareness and support services. Wheat currently serves on the board of directors for the Edna Gladney Center for Adoption and in the past has spoken with young adults about the adoption process. Each month, Wheat also volunteers delivering meals to homeless and elderly individuals in the Dallas community through the Meals on Wheels program.

President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House to foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility. Through the USA Freedom Corps, President Bush wants to help every American answer the call to volunteer service by strengthening and expanding service opportunities to protect our homeland, support our communities and extend American compassion around the world. Interested volunteers can find opportunities in their own neighborhoods through the USA Freedom Corps web site at www.usafreedomcorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.

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