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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The TEAM MARIO Superheroes 5K Run for Autism and |
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Buddy Fun Walk are being held in Edinburg on April 11, 2015, in |
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observance of National Autism Awareness Month; and |
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WHEREAS, The fastest growing developmental disability in the |
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United States, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is more common than |
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childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes, and pediatric AIDS combined; |
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the incidence rate of ASD, which includes autistic, Asperger's, and |
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childhood disintegrative disorders, has increased from 1 in 10,000 |
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children 30 years ago to 1 in 68 today; though there is no cure, |
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research shows that early intervention and specialized therapies |
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can significantly improve quality of life for individuals with ASD; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, A nonprofit autism awareness organization, TEAM |
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MARIO takes its name from a young boy who was diagnosed with ASD |
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before his second birthday; inspired by the determination he has |
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shown in overcoming numerous challenges, his parents and therapists |
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founded the organization in order to give hope to other children and |
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families affected by ASD; TEAM MARIO advocates for the safety, |
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acceptance, and independence of individuals on the autism spectrum |
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and provides invaluable resources to help them reach their full |
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potential; and |
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WHEREAS, TEAM MARIO sponsors programs specifically for |
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children with ASD and for their families, while also working to |
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raise public awareness of the disorder through a variety of events |
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that the entire community can enjoy; in addition to its Superheroes |
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5K Run for Autism and Buddy Fun Walk, the organization is putting on |
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an Autism Awareness "Piece" Out Campaign in the community and local |
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schools during the month of April; and |
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WHEREAS, The TEAM MARIO Superheroes 5K Run for Autism and |
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Buddy Fun Walk provide area residents with an ideal opportunity to |
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raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder while supporting an |
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organization that provides invaluable support to many young Texans |
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and their families; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas |
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Legislature hereby commemorate the Superheroes 5K Run for Autism |
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and Buddy Fun Walk in Edinburg and extend sincere best wishes to the |
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organizers and participants for a meaningful and memorable event; |
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and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for TEAM MARIO as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
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House of Representatives. |