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.