H.R. No. 497

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Alina Arredondo of San Elizario has dedicated herself to raising awareness of the needs and challenges of people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Arredondo lives with a rare medical condition known as phocomelia, a congenital skeletal disorder characterized by missing or underdeveloped limbs; she received therapy during her childhood and teenage years and learned to perform day-to-day tasks like brushing her hair and dressing herself; through much hard work and determination, she was able to pursue her academic ambitions, and in the spring of 2020, she graduated from The University of Texas at El Paso with a master's degree in social work; and

WHEREAS, The difficulties that Ms. Arredondo has faced throughout her life have motivated her to act as an advocate for others; during her time as a student at UTEP, she spoke at the Texas State Capitol about issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act; she hopes to devote her career to supporting and uplifting children who feel marginalized due to their own unique challenges; and

WHEREAS, Alina Arredondo has overcome great adversity to become the inspiring individual that she is today, and she may reflect with well-deserved pride on all that she has accomplished; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby commend Alina Arredondo for her work as an advocate for persons with disabilities and extend to her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

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

González of El Paso

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 497 was adopted by the House on April 9, 2021, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House