HR0551 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0551 LRB098 13436 GRL 47956 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to honor the staff and administration of BACKBONES for their work in raising awareness of spinal cord injuries; and

WHEREAS, BACKBONES was created when the friends and family of Reveca Torres started a fundraising campaign in order to help pay for medical expenses after Ms. Torres suffered a spinal cord injury; seeing the efforts of these wonderful people, Ms. Torres realized the importance of a support system to help reach one's goals after an injury, the impact that others with similar injuries had on her, and the need for an organization that could provide motivation and confidence to those like her; and

WHEREAS, With support and guidance from friends, family, and the community at large, Reveca Torres and co-founders Veronica Gott, Patricia Mikicic, and Annie Gonzalez put a long-time goal into motion and transformed BACKBONES into what it is today: a place to connect with others with the purpose of learning, teaching, and sharing; the organization provides free support for people with spinal cord injuries and their families by telephone, in-person, and on the internet; the organization also encourages growth by the sharing of experiences and ideas and creates an inviting atmosphere where people can ask questions, learn from each other informally, and make lasting friendships; and

WHEREAS, The members of the BACKBONES Board of Directors are Christopher Hyldahl, Jacob Torres, Mona Pinon, Brittany Raniere, and Eric Larson; the organization's Ambassadors are Rachelle Chapman, Matthew Tilford, and Priscilla Hedlin; and

WHEREAS, It is especially important to recognize the great work and efforts of the members of BACKBONES during the month of September, which is National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor the staff and administration of BACKBONES for their work in raising awareness of spinal cord injuries and wish them continued success in their future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the board of directors of BACKBONES as a symbol of our esteem and respect.