By Smith H.R. No. 838 77R13731 MDM-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to pay 1-2 tribute to a most distinguished humanitarian, Lou Baum, for his 1-3 deep commitment to his fellow citizens; and 1-4 WHEREAS, In 1991, Mr. Baum, with his wife, Vicki, established 1-5 the World Life Foundation to help parents quickly access 1-6 information about their children's uncommon disorders and arrange 1-7 transportation, if needed, so the children can receive treatment; 1-8 the Baums' firsthand experience with life-threatening childhood 1-9 disease led them to organize this lifesaving endeavor when their 1-10 daughter, Catherine, was born in 1985 with an initially undiagnosed 1-11 rare liver disease that caused her to lapse into a coma; and 1-12 WHEREAS, Throughout the past decade, the foundation has 1-13 assisted thousands of parents with finding treatment facilities, 1-14 doctors, and researchers knowledgeable about rare diseases, while 1-15 Mr. Baum's extensive networking and contacts have provided 1-16 transportation for more than 650 families in need; and 1-17 WHEREAS, Mr. Baum's commitment to the welfare and safety of 1-18 others, especially children, extends to his own community, where he 1-19 organized a McGruff Safe House that offers shelter and social 1-20 services for children; he served as president and vice president of 1-21 the Euless Police Department Citizens Police Academy and its alumni 1-22 association, was instrumental in organizing a Citizens on Patrol 1-23 effort in the Morrisdale subdivision, and served as vice president 1-24 of the Euless Crime Control and Prevention District Board of 2-1 Directors from 1996 to 2001; and 2-2 WHEREAS, For generously sharing his time and resources to the 2-3 betterment of his community, Mr. Baum received the Volunteer of the 2-4 Year award from the city of Euless in 2000 and was recognized by 2-5 the Tarrant County Police Association; and 2-6 WHEREAS, Lou Baum has made a tremendous difference in the 2-7 lives of countless Texans, and it is most appropriate that he be 2-8 honored for his significant efforts; now, therefore, be it 2-9 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-10 Legislature hereby commend Lou Baum for his inspirational 2-11 dedication to his fellowman and extend to him warmest wishes for 2-12 good fortune and happiness in the future; and, be it further 2-13 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-14 prepared for Mr. Baum as an expression of high regard by the Texas 2-15 House of Representatives.