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89(R) SR 545 - Enrolled version - Bill Text
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 545
WHEREAS, Summer Willis has worked to reframe the narrative
around sexual assault and to empower survivors to reclaim their
stories; and
WHEREAS, In October 2014, Summer Willis, who was then a
19-year-old sophomore at The University of Texas at Austin, was
drugged and raped while at a party; after the assault, she fell into a
depression and was later involved in an abusive relationship; she
eventually started running as a way to heal, and in one year, she ran
29 marathons to raise awareness for survivors of sexual violence,
ending her campaign at the 2024 Chicago Marathon; she also went on to
establish Strength Through Strides, a nonprofit organization
dedicated to helping women overcome trauma through health and
wellness; and
WHEREAS, At the Austin Marathon on February 16, 2025,
Ms. Willis embarked on her most recent campaign, "The Last Time We
Crawl"; in order to bring awareness to the excruciatingly painful and
slow healing process that survivors of sexual assault experience,
she crawled 13.1 miles for a total of 13.5 hours; in a powerful and
unexpected moment, she ran the second half of the marathon, a
metaphor for the survivor's journey from trauma to triumph; and
WHEREAS, The actions Ms. Willis has taken have generated
national media coverage and conversations about sexual violence,
inspired survivors to share their stories, and raised funds for
survivor assistance programs; in addition, she has catalyzed support
for legislative reform that would redefine consent and strengthen
policies to protect survivors of sexual assault; and
WHEREAS, Through her steadfast dedication, selfless service,
and exemplary leadership, Summer Willis is working toward creating a
world where survivors of sexual violence are met with belief,
support, and justice, and she is indeed deserving of recognition for
her outstanding efforts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th
Legislature, hereby honor Summer Willis for her advocacy on behalf
of survivors of sexual violence and extend to her sincere best
wishes for continued success with her vital work; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for Ms. Willis as an expression of high regard from the
Texas Senate.
Paxton
Alvarado
Hagenbuch
Menéndez
Bettencourt
Hall
Middleton
Birdwell
Hancock
Miles
Blanco
Hinojosa of Hidalgo
Nichols
Campbell
Hinojosa of Nueces
Parker
Cook
Huffman
Perry
Creighton
Hughes
Schwertner
Eckhardt
Johnson
Sparks
Flores
King
West
Gutierrez
Kolkhorst
Zaffirini
Patrick, President of the Senate
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 19, 2025.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate