H.R. No. 464



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The unwavering courage and abundant optimism of 
19-year-old Victor Alvarez of McAllen truly inspires all who have 
the privilege of knowing him; and
	WHEREAS, Born October 21, 1986, with spinal muscular atrophy, 
a genetic disease that prevents the growth of muscle tissue and 
confines one to a wheelchair, this remarkable young man has become a 
role model of perseverance; as a child, he spent a year in intensive 
care at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, and 
although it was a frightening and difficult time, he drew strength 
watching the scenes of life outside his window; eventually he was 
sent to Comfort House, a hospice facility in McAllen, where four 
months later, he celebrated his 10th birthday at a party thrown by 
staff and volunteers; and
	WHEREAS, Victor Alvarez continued to thrive at his new home, 
where his beaming smile and delightful personality won him many 
friends; just before his 12th birthday, he underwent innovative 
back surgery to allow his body to better cope with growth spurts, 
and shortly thereafter, he was able to enter the fifth grade; and
	WHEREAS, An excellent student from the start, Mr. Alvarez was 
named "Student of the Year" in sixth grade and then allowed to skip 
the seventh grade; today, he takes advanced placement courses as a 
senior at McAllen High School and consistently makes good grades; 
and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Alvarez has also cultivated numerous talents; 
mentored by a local artist for several years, he has a growing 
collection of paintings and illustrations, and plans to pursue a 
career in graphic design; he is a prolific poet, and his essays are 
occasionally published in The Monitor, the daily newspaper of 
McAllen; the summer before his junior year, Mr. Alvarez attended 
the Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session at Southwestern 
University, where among 226 youth, he was elected governor; and
	WHEREAS, More than six years after Victor Alvarez arrived at 
Comfort House, four friends enthusiastically volunteered to become 
responsible for his care and he moved with them into the home of his 
art mentor; several area organizations have also helped, including 
a local Elks Lodge and Rotary Club as well as the Rio Grande chapter 
of the Harley Owners Group; in recent years, he has participated in 
the annual American Cancer Society Upper Valley Relay For Life, 
helping to raise funds for cancer research, a cause close to his 
heart as many of his fellow residents at Comfort House were cancer 
patients; and
	WHEREAS, Intimately attuned to the fragility of life, Victor 
Alvarez lives with extraordinary verve, enthusiasm, and 
compassion, uplifting and impressing everyone he meets; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby honor Victor Alvarez for 
his many noteworthy accomplishments and extend to him sincere best 
wishes for success and much happiness in the future; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Alvarez as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.

                                                                        Gonzales

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 464 was adopted by the House on May 
12, 2006, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House