83R24941 BPG-D

By: Workman H.R. No. 1908

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The Cheyanna's Champions-4-Children organization completed its Austin to Boston Campaign in April 2013 to benefit youngsters suffering from rare, undiagnosed, or acute medical conditions; and

WHEREAS, Founded by Talaya Frazier of Austin, Cheyanna's Champions-4-Children provides a support team for children with these particularly challenging types of illnesses; the group was named in honor of Ms. Frazier's daughter, whose rare condition went undiagnosed for several years; and

WHEREAS, Champions-4-Children offers opportunities for social interaction to families who are striving to surmount similar obstacles, and it helps them to access research studies that focus on the undiagnosed and rare conditions that are affecting their children; life-coaching and nutritional-counseling volunteers also engage with families, and in times of crisis, the organization even helps those in need with meal preparation, housekeeping, and other daily tasks; and

WHEREAS, In an effort to provide young patients with hope and inspiration, the organization arranges sponsorships in which athletes compete in running events to honor specific children who are struggling with illness; the Austin to Boston Campaign featured 10 runners who first completed the Austin Marathon in February 2013 and then ran the Boston Marathon in April; they included Talaya Frazier, Joe Berti, Paul Carmona, Desiree Ficker, David Garza, Maria Groten, Matt Harmatuk, Laci Jones, Thomas O'Connor, and Tara Williams; they dedicated their races to Gandhi Angeles, Caleb Durden, Joshua Edmondson, Drew Huneycutt, Garrison McAfee, Torrence McClead, Mia Nieto, Kayleigh Northington, Christian Tamez, and Carter Wagner; and

WHEREAS, These athletes experienced the tragedy that cast a shadow over the Boston Marathon this year, but all returned safely home to Texas; at a special ceremony, the athletes presented their race medals from both events to the youngsters they teamed with as symbols of faith in the ability to overcome obstacles; and

WHEREAS, Cheyanna's Champions-4-Children has worked diligently to give comfort and hope to young people who are coping with difficult medical conditions, and its Austin to Boston Campaign is an inspiring example of the good that can be accomplished by caring citizens; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby commend Cheyanna's Champions-4-Children on its Austin to Boston Campaign and extend sincere best wishes for continued success to all those associated with this noteworthy organization; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Cheyanna's Champions-4-Children as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.