H.R. No. 1444

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Matthew James Willis of Hackberry Creek has been honored with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 2007 Spirit of Tom Landry Character award for his service in behalf of individuals with blood cancer; and

WHEREAS, This accolade was established to recognize courageous young people who either are battling the disease or have volunteered extensively to help those suffering with their struggle; and

WHEREAS, A seventh-grader at North Hills School in Irving, Mr. Willis is indeed a worthy recipient of this award as he has demonstrated remarkable selflessness and integrity through his efforts to help this special community; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Willis was inspired to action in order to honor the memory of his father, Jim Willis, who lost his battle with leukemia when Matthew was only two; he has worked tirelessly with the Links Fore Leukemia Golf Tournament, which his father cofounded, and in just three years this exceptional young Texan has raised an estimated $30,000; and

WHEREAS, Matthew Willis is an inspiration to all Texans, for he has displayed a sense of personal strength and a desire to help others that offer eloquent testimony to the finest qualities of the human spirit; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Matthew James Willis on his receipt of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 2007 Spirit of Tom Landry Character award and extend to him best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Willis as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

Harper-Brown

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 1444 was adopted by the House on April 27, 2007, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House