Honoring Ava Walia in recognition of her extraordinary efforts to promote organ donation awareness through Hopes & Soles

Assembly Resolution No. 1624

BY: M. of A. Blumencranz

        HONORING   Ava   Walia   in   recognition  of  her
        extraordinary  efforts  to  promote  organ  donation
        awareness through Hopes & Soles

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  custom  of this Legislative Body to recognize
young leaders whose vision,  compassion,  and  dedication  have  made  a
meaningful  difference  in  the  lives  of  others and have strengthened
communities throughout the State of New York; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Ava  Walia  in recognition of her extraordinary efforts to promote organ
donation awareness through Hopes & Soles; and

  WHEREAS, Ava Walia, a distinguished young resident of  Syosset,  New
York,   has  demonstrated  remarkable  leadership,  empathy,  and  civic
engagement at an early age by  championing  a  cause  that  has  touched
countless lives throughout New York State; and

  WHEREAS,  Inspired  by the loss of her beloved grandfather to kidney
disease, Ava Walia transformed personal tragedy into a mission of  hope,
determined  to  educate others about the lifesaving importance of organ,
eye, and tissue donation and to honor  the  selfless  individuals  whose
gifts provide second chances to those in need; and

  WHEREAS, Two years ago, Ava Walia founded Hopes & Soles, a community
walk  dedicated  to  raising  awareness  of  organ donation and bringing
together   donor    families,    transplant    recipients,    healthcare
professionals,  advocates,  and community members in a shared commitment
to saving lives; and

  WHEREAS, What began as a small gathering of friends, family members,
and neighbors united by a common purpose  has  grown  into  a  statewide
movement  that continues to inspire meaningful conversations about organ
donation and encourage New Yorkers to register as organ donors; and

  WHEREAS, In 2025, Hopes & Soles achieved a significant milestone  as
it expanded its reach to communities across New York State and served as
the  inaugural  Donate  Life  New  York  State  Walk at Eisenhower Park,
further advancing  public  awareness  and  support  for  organ  donation
initiatives; and

  WHEREAS,  Through her tireless efforts, Ava Walia has helped educate
individuals  and  families  about  the  profound  impact  of   donation,
highlighting  the  stories  of those whose lives have been saved through
transplantation  and  honoring  the  generosity  of  donors  and   their
families; and

  WHEREAS, All proceeds generated through Hopes & Soles are donated to
Donate  Life New York State to support its mission of saving and healing
lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation, ensuring that Ava Walia's
work directly contributes  to  improving  and  extending  the  lives  of
others; and


  WHEREAS,  Hopes  &  Soles  embodies the values of hope, remembrance,
service, and community, reminding all New Yorkers that even a single act
of generosity can have a lasting and transformative impact on  countless
individuals and families; and

  WHEREAS,   Ava   Walia's   compassion,  leadership,  and  unwavering
commitment to helping others serve as an inspiration to her peers and to
all residents of this great State, demonstrating that age is no  barrier
to making a profound difference in the world; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ava Walia in recognition of her extraordinary efforts  to  promote
organ donation awareness through Hopes & Soles; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ava Walia.