SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 563

WHEREAS, Inspired by their daughter's love for others, Chaney and Jessica Phillips have established B.I.G. (Brooke's Incredible Gift) Love Cancer Care Services to carry on the compassion and love that Brooke Alyson Phillips had for all people; and

WHEREAS, Brooke was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia when she was three years old, and for two years, she fought for her life courageously through intense chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant at Texas Children's Hospital; her parents understand firsthand the heavy burdens families must endure while their children are fighting a life-threatening disease and hope to see B.I.G. Love Cancer Care Services provide assistance for those families; and

WHEREAS, With the passing of their five-year-old daughter on September 29, 2006, they chose to honor her memory by establishing this organization, named B.I.G. because Brooke taught them how wide, long, high, and deep love could be; and

WHEREAS, B.I.G. Love Cancer Care Services was approved as a nonprofit organization in March of 2007; the organization's mission is to not only meet some of the basic needs of children with cancer and their families, but also to provide opportunities for laughter, happiness, and comfort; and

WHEREAS, Already Brooke's brave parents have been actively working to make life better for cancer patients and their families at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston and Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock; they delivered treats at Thanksgiving and 180 big baskets full of toys, games, and goodies on Valentine's Day, with help from family, friends, and concerned children and teachers at Angleton Middle School; and

WHEREAS, They are now focusing on meeting the practical needs of these families, such as parking passes and meals, and on providing special gift baskets for holidays, including Mother's Day and Father's Day; their long-range goals include hosting retreats for parents after the loss of a child, publishing literature to encourage and help families throughout their journeys, and advancing childhood cancer awareness and research; they also plan to express appreciation and encouragement to the pediatric oncology nurses and doctors who work with these children and families; and

WHEREAS, Brooke Alyson Phillips cared deeply about the children with cancer around her; she prayed for them and brought them gifts when they were sad, and this organization truly embodies the spirit of this remarkable child; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 80th Legislature, hereby commend Chaney and Jessica Phillips for their courageous and compassionate work and extend to them sincere best wishes for the future with B.I.G. Love Cancer Care Services; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for Chaney and Jessica Phillips as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Jackson

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 26, 2007.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate