(WASHINGTON, DC) – Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District-KS) introduced a congressional resolution today honoring cancer survivor Richard Bloch and his wife Annette for their work to improve the quality of life for those living with cancer through the Bloch Cancer Foundation.

“This family and foundation has changed the lives of thousands of cancer patients and caregivers in this country,” Moore said. “I encourage my colleagues to join me as I recognize Richard and Annette Bloch and the volunteers of the Bloch Cancer Foundation for 23 years of service to others.”

In 1978, Richard was told he had terminal lung cancer and had 3 months to live. He refused to accept this prognosis, and after two years of aggressive therapy, he was cured. Following his bout with cancer, he sold his interest in H&R Block Inc., retired in 1982 and devoted all his efforts to fighting cancer.

The Blochs’ accomplishments include:

* Founding the Bloch Cancer Foundation in 1980. * Gifting the University of Missouri-Kansas City with the Bloch Support Center to offer education, counseling and research for those living with cancer. * Developing a computer program, which was implemented by the National Cancer Institute, to gather information from every cancer center in the United States and 22 foreign countries. * Authoring three books: ‘‘Cancer...There’s Hope,’’ ‘‘Fighting Cancer,’’ and ‘‘Guide for Cancer Supporters.” * Establishing Cancer Survivor Parks in Kansas City and around the country to help survivors and celebrate life. * Recruiting a network of doctors, computer specialists, home volunteers and in-house volunteers to support their foundation. * Founding the Bloch Cancer Hot Line, an organization composed of more than 500 cancer survivors that have fielded phone calls for over 20 years.

“September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and National Childhood Cancer Month,” Moore said. “Raising public awareness is the first step to improving survival rates and the quality of life of cancer patients.”