HR0893

LRB094 19477 HSS 55290 r






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HOUSE RESOLUTION


 
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    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of 
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Representatives offer our sincere congratulations to Matthew 
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Gaughan, the 2006 National Youth Ambassador for Easter Seals  
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National; and
 

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    WHEREAS, Twelve year old Matty lives in Elmhurst with his 
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parents, Noreen and Paul Gaughan, and brother, Ryan; and
 

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    WHEREAS, When Matty was only 10 months old, he began 
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receiving treatment at Easter Seals DuPage for a form of 
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cerebral palsy known as spastic diplegia, which affects an 
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individual's extremities and fine motor skills; and
 

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    WHEREAS, Early in his treatment he wore braces on his legs 
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and used a walker; and
 

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    WHEREAS, Over the past 11 years Matty has worked with his 
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physical therapist, Jim Alviti, making great strides in 
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improving his quality of movement and today walks independently 
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and requires no braces; and
 

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    WHEREAS, Now in the seventh grade at Immaculate Conception 
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in Elmhurst, Matty excels in school, loves playing baseball, 
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golf, and football, where he has been nicknamed "The Crusher"; 
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and
 

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    WHEREAS,  Through weekly physical and occupational therapy, 
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he works to sustain the strength and mobility that he has 
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worked so hard to gain and will continue the workout regimen as 
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he gets taller and gains weight; and
 

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    WHEREAS, As Easter Seals' National Youth Ambassador, Matty 
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will serve as an advocate for Easter Seals and other children 
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with disabilities; and
 

 


 






HR0893
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LRB094 19477 HSS 55290 r




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    WHEREAS, Over the next year Matty will be informing people 
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from across the country about Easter Seals' services; and
 

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    WHEREAS, As the National Youth Ambassador, he receives the 
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honor of speaking at a national convention and at fundraisers; 
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and
 

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    WHEREAS, In addition, his image will be on cards and 
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posters promoting the Easter Seals' cause nationwide; and
 

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    WHEREAS, He will share his firsthand experience about how 
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with quality specialized treatment and determination, 
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individuals can achieve the same success he has achieved; and
 

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    WHEREAS, His achievement is a source of inspiration to the 
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entire State and for other individuals with disabilities; 
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therefore, be it
 

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    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
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NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, and 
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that we do hereby offer our congratulations to Matthew Gaughan; 
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and be it further
 

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    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
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presented to Matthew Gaughan and Easter Seals DuPage.