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79R16895 MMS-D

By:  Dukes                                                        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.