HR956 - Honoring Smiles from Heaven and Fight Like a Kid for their service to and advocacy in behalf of children living with cancer.

      H.R. No. 956       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