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H.R. No. 1660
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The people of Austin and Travis County have lost a
highly respected health activist with the passing of Marc Thomas,
founder and CEO of the Sickle Cell Association of Austin--Marc
Thomas Chapter, at the age of 46; and
WHEREAS, Born in Oakland, California, on May 17, 1958, Mr.
Thomas was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at the age of three; a
hereditary blood disorder for which there is no universal cure,
this condition causes a malformation of red blood cells that leads
to the blockage of tiny blood vessels, causing excruciating pain
and lack of oxygen and resulting in damage to organs; one in 12
African Americans carries the sickle cell trait, and it is
estimated that more than 70,000 Americans have sickle cell disease;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Thomas held several management positions with
National Refractories and Minerals Corporation and with Siemens
Corporation in California before moving to Austin; after relocating
to the capital city, he found that support for those dealing with
sickle cell disease was inadequate and that awareness and education
concerning the illness was minimal; consequently, in 1997, he
founded a local affiliate of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of
America, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Leaving his corporate career, Marc Thomas devoted
himself to the work of the Austin chapter, which promotes
understanding of sickle cell disease while providing support and
assistance to persons and families affected by the illness; to
date, the chapter has helped more than 500 families through its
services and reached more than 10,000 people through its education
outreach; and
WHEREAS, Though chronically ill himself, Mr. Thomas spent
countless hours on such efforts as raising awareness of sickle cell
disease; conducting home and hospital visits; providing medical,
rehabilitative, and social service referrals; assisting with group
meetings and caregiver-support meetings; providing hydration
services; and working to improve communication between health
professionals and clients; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, Mr. Thomas was awarded the Ray of Hope Award
by Community Health Charities for his outstanding community
service, and in 2004 he joined the Austin postmaster in unveiling
the new sickle cell stamp of the U.S. Postal Service; not long
before his death, he was appointed to the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services Advisory Board; and
WHEREAS, Sustained by a deep and abiding faith, Mr. Thomas
was a pastor of the Foundation of God Ministry in Austin; and
WHEREAS, The fervent dedication and profound compassion that
Marc Thomas brought to his community endeavors has left a priceless
and inspiring legacy, and his memory will be forever cherished by
those who were privileged to share in his love and friendship; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas
Legislature hereby pay special tribute to the life of Marc Thomas
and recognize May 17, 2005, as Marc Thomas Day; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Texas House of Representatives extend
sincere sympathy to the family of this beloved gentleman: to his
wife, Linda; to his children, Marc, De'drienne, and Alysian; to his
grandson, Jae'len; and to his other relatives and many friends;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Marc
Thomas.
Dukes
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1660 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 25, 2005.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House