LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Marla Hanson upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by the Girl Scouts Heart of the
Hudson and the YWCA Orange County on May 12, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
just tribute to those citizens who embody the true American spirit,
demonstrating personal courage and determination, while significantly
contributing to the enhancement of the quality of life of others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Marla Hanson upon the occasion of her designation for special recogni-
tion by the Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson and the YWCA Orange County;
and
WHEREAS, Maria Hanson will be recognized at the 18th Annual Tribute to
Women of Achievement Dinner to be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at
Anthony's Pier 9, New Windsor, New York; in addition to being honored
Marla Hanson will also serve as the event's keynote speaker; and
WHEREAS, For the past 18 years, the Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson
and the YWCA Orange County have honored women in Orange County who have
made a difference in the community in their professional, personal or
school-based activities; and
WHEREAS, Born in Independence, Missouri, Marla Hanson attended college
in Dallas, Texas; after working selling real estate and insurance, a job
promotion brought her to New York City where a part-time modeling job
eventually became a full-time career in the 1980s; and
WHEREAS, In June 1986, after a tragic criminal attack which resulted
in permanent scarring of her face, subsequently ending her modeling
career, Marla Hanson triumphed over adversity and became the National
Victims' Center spokesperson and an extraordinarily effective advocate
for victims' rights; and
WHEREAS, Marla Hanson has become one of the most vocal advocates for
legislative change in the victims' rights arena and has regularly
lobbied for new laws and services at both the grassroots and national
levels to assist the victims of crime; and
WHEREAS, By telling her own moving and inspirational story, Marla
Hanson has given audiences a place from which to begin their own recov-
ery process; she is more determined than ever to help people take charge
of their own lives and challenge society's inequalities; and
WHEREAS, Marla Hanson's motivating message is that victimization is a
state of mind and that tragic events can be lived with and overcome; and
WHEREAS, After many years of treatment for the post-traumatic stress
resulting from her tragedy, Marla Hanson was able to return to a normal
life; she earned a Bachelor's degree in film production from New York
University's Tisch School of the Arts, and lives in New York City with
her husband and child; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Marla
Hanson, who serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit to
triumph over personal adversity; and
WHEREAS, Marla Hanson is a strong pioneering role model and inspira-
tion for all citizens, who exemplifies the virtues of sacrifice, excel-
lence and determination; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those individ-
uals for the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Marla Hanson upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson and the YWCA Orange
County; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Marla Hanson.