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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The Sickle Cell Association of Houston, Inc., and |
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its founder, Tonya Prince, are making vital contributions to the |
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well-being of people with sickle cell disease in the Greater |
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Houston Metropolitan Area; and |
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WHEREAS, Ms. Prince established the organization alongside |
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her daughter, Quannecia McCruse, who suffers from sickle cell |
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disease; the hereditary genetic disorder, which is more common in |
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individuals of African descent, causes some red blood cells to |
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become rigid and crescent-shaped, leading to obstructed blood flow |
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and anemia; in serious cases, affected patients can experience |
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periodic and at times debilitating episodes of pain, as well as |
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potentially life-threatening complications such as organ damage, |
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infections, pulmonary embolism, and stroke; and |
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WHEREAS, Serving as a care coordination center, the Sickle |
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Cell Association of Houston is staffed with certified genetics |
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education counselors, community health workers, and patient |
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navigators; SCA Houston is focused on achieving better health |
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outcomes for the local sickle cell population, and in addition to |
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connecting patients with medical resources, the organization hosts |
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a monthly support group, educational programs, and professional |
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seminars; its outreach efforts have included a 5K and 1K walk and a |
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blood drive held in partnership with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood |
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Center during Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month in September; and |
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WHEREAS, Under the dedicated leadership of Tonya Prince, the |
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Sickle Cell Association of Houston has excelled in its mission of |
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empowering Houstonians with sickle cell disease to "live without |
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limits," and it is a pleasure to recognize the group for its |
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important work; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas |
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Legislature hereby honor Tonya Prince and the Sickle Cell |
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Association of Houston, Inc., and extend to all those affiliated |
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with SCA Houston sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it |
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further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for SCA Houston as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |