H.R. No. 355
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
 
         WHEREAS, Members of the Texas Renal Coalition and the Kidney
  Alliance of Texas are visiting Austin on February 10, 2015, to
  participate in Kidney Day at the State Capitol; and
         WHEREAS, This biennial event was established by Rita
  L. Littlefield, the former president of the Texas Renal Coalition
  and a founding member of the Kidney Alliance of Texas, who has
  worked tirelessly for three decades in behalf of kidney patients;
  the gathering unites patients, health care providers, and others in
  the drive to raise awareness of a significant medical issue; and
         WHEREAS, Across the nation, an estimated 30 million people
  suffer from kidney disease, and more than 600,000 are undergoing
  lifesaving dialysis or have had a kidney transplant; in Texas, 17
  percent of the adult population has kidney disease, and the number
  of dialysis patients has tripled since 1990; and
         WHEREAS, Although kidney disease is a serious and rapidly
  growing health problem, many Texans remain unaware that they are at
  risk; left undetected, chronic kidney disease can lead to premature
  death from heart disease or other complications, or to kidney
  failure, requiring dialysis or a transplant to sustain life; early
  detection and management can prevent or slow the progression of
  chronic kidney disease and decrease health care expenditures
  associated with the treatment of advanced kidney disease; and
         WHEREAS, Many medical professionals, organizations, and
  volunteers in the state are committed to ensuring the highest
  quality of care for kidney patients; the Texas Renal Coalition
  contributes significantly to this mission as it monitors health
  policies for dialysis and transplant patients, offers education
  programs to improve public awareness about the disease, and acts as
  a clearinghouse for information related to legislative issues; and
         WHEREAS, Benefiting from the dedication and leadership of
  Rita Littlefield, the Texas Renal Coalition, the Kidney Alliance of
  Texas, and their associates have made a positive difference in the
  lives of innumerable Texans, and it is most fitting to recognize
  Ms. Littlefield and these organizations for their achievements;
  now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
  Legislature hereby recognize February 10, 2015, as Rita L.
  Littlefield Kidney Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those
  participating sincere best wishes for a productive and memorable
  event; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for Ms. Littlefield in commemoration of this day and as an
  expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
 
  King of Taylor
 
  ______________________________
  Speaker of the House     
 
         I certify that H.R. No. 355 was adopted by the House on
  February 10, 2015, by a non-record vote.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House