By Gutierrez H.R. No. 1219 75R16940 WMS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Maria C. Alen, M.D. is being honored by the Rio 1-2 Grande Valley Chapter of the American Diabetes Association for her 1-3 many significant accomplishments in combating diabetes, and this 1-4 special recognition is indeed well deserved; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Past president of the Rio Grande Valley Chapter of 1-6 the American Diabetes Association, Dr. Alen has for many years 1-7 devoted her efforts to the prevention and successful treatment of 1-8 this deadly disease; and 1-9 WHEREAS, An estimated 16 million Americans suffer from 1-10 diabetes, with half of those cases undiagnosed; the disease is the 1-11 sixth leading cause of death in the United States and its direct 1-12 and indirect cost to the nation each year is tens of billions of 1-13 dollars; and 1-14 WHEREAS, Dr. Alen will be honored for her contributions on 1-15 June 4, 1997, at the annual awards luncheon of the Rio Grande 1-16 Valley Chapter of the American Diabetes Association at the Tower 1-17 Club in McAllen; and 1-18 WHEREAS, Diabetes is one of the most serious threats to 1-19 public health in Texas and across the nation, and Dr. Alen's 1-20 notable efforts in combating the disease are indeed worthy of 1-21 special legislative recognition at this time; now, therefore, be it 1-22 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 1-23 Legislature hereby commend Dr. Maria C. Alen on being chosen as an 1-24 honoree of the Rio Grande Valley Chapter of the American Diabetes 2-1 Association and that she be extended sincere best wishes for 2-2 continued success in her worthy efforts; and, be it further 2-3 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-4 prepared for Dr. Alen as an expression of high regard by the Texas 2-5 House of Representatives.