| |
| |
|
|
R E S O L U T I O N
|
|
|
WHEREAS, Smiles from Heaven and Fight Like a Kid are making a |
|
|
positive difference in the lives of children who are battling |
|
|
cancer; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Ray and Betsy Sanchez established Smiles from Heaven |
|
|
in loving memory of their two-year-old daughter, Bella Serena |
|
|
Sanchez, who passed away on April 9, 2019, following her fight with |
|
|
leukemia; the organization is dedicated to promoting childhood |
|
|
cancer awareness and to giving support, assistance, and hope to |
|
|
children and families receiving treatment for pediatric cancer or |
|
|
blood disorders; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, In partnership with Smiles from Heaven, the Fight |
|
|
Like a Kid coalition assists children and families battling cancer |
|
|
and blood disorders by offering them access to programs and support |
|
|
that help them flourish beyond the challenges of cancer; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death |
|
|
for children past infancy in the United States; each year, |
|
|
approximately 413,000 children around the world receive the |
|
|
devastating news that they have cancer, but thanks to improvements |
|
|
in treatment, 85 percent of patients with pediatric cancer in the |
|
|
U.S. will go on to survive for five years or more; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Each September, Smiles from Heaven observes |
|
|
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with events that spotlight |
|
|
children and families affected by the disease; these include the |
|
|
organization's annual superhero-themed run/walk events in Laredo |
|
|
and Corpus Christi, as well as spirit week fundraisers and Gold Out |
|
|
Nights hosted in collaboration with local high schools; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Smiles from Heaven and Fight Like a Kid have been |
|
|
sources of compassionate guidance to families going through a |
|
|
difficult and uncertain journey, and it is a pleasure to recognize |
|
|
these commendable organizations and the inspiring work they have |
|
|
accomplished; now, therefore, be it |
|
|
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas |
|
|
Legislature hereby honor Smiles from Heaven and Fight Like a Kid for |
|
|
their service to and advocacy in behalf of children living with |
|
|
cancer and extend to all those affiliated with the organizations |
|
|
sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further |
|
|
RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared |
|
|
for the organizations as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
|
|
House of Representatives. |
| |
|
|
Raymond |
|
|
|
|
|
______________________________ |
|
|
Speaker of the House |
| |
|
|
I certify that H.R. No. 956 was adopted by the House on May |
|
|
23, 2025, by a non-record vote. |
|
|
|
|
|
______________________________ |
|
|
Chief Clerk of the House |
| |