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

89(R) HR 956 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

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