HR0893 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0893 LRB094 19477 HSS 55290 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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