78R12738 MDM-D

By:  Smith of Tarrant                                             H.R. No. 899



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Vicki Baum of Euless has been selected to receive 
the 2002 Hercules Volunteer Award from United Way of Metropolitan 
Tarrant County in recognition of her deep commitment and lasting 
contributions to others; and
	WHEREAS, Most deserving of this auspicious honor, Mrs. Baum 
personifies the highest ideals of volunteer achievement in the 
realm of human services; and
	WHEREAS, She serves as vice president of the nonprofit World 
Life Foundation (WLF), which she and her husband, Lou, founded in 
1991, to provide parents with quick access to life-saving treatment 
for their children; the Baums created the foundation following the 
birth of their daughter, Catherine; and
	WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to helping other families with ill 
children connect with the specialists who can help, Mrs. Baum has 
become an expert at coordinating the myriad details of 
transportation; she communicates with commercial and private 
airlines, as well as patients' families, doctors, and hospitals; 
since 1991, Mrs. Baum has assisted more than 850 families from 
throughout North America with finding the specific help their loved 
ones require; and
	WHEREAS, This remarkable woman faithfully continues to work 
in behalf of others while at the same time dealing personally with 
the challenges of multiple sclerosis; she lovingly shares her time 
and energy with the families who call daily seeking her help, and 
she offers them all her encouragement and compassion; and
	WHEREAS, The presence of Vicki Baum has truly been a blessing 
in the lives of countless individuals, and her humanitarian efforts 
serve as an inspiration to us all; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate Vicki Baum on her receipt of the 
2002 Hercules Volunteer Award from United Way of Metropolitan 
Tarrant County and extend to her heartfelt best wishes for the 
future; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mrs. Baum as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.