Assembly Resolution No. 153

BY: M. of A. Rosenthal L

COMMENDING Tina Himaya for her outstanding
advocacy, support, and fundraising efforts for
lymphedema awareness

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that the quality
and character of life in the communities across New York State are
reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of individuals
committed to helping to improve the lives of others; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its
long-standing tradition, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Tina Himaya for her outstanding advocacy, support, and
fundraising efforts for lymphedema awareness, in conjunction with the
observance of World Lymphedema Day on Wednesday, March 6, 2019; and

WHEREAS, World Lymphedema Day brings awareness to this
often-debilitating disease which millions of people are born with, but
which many times is the result of cancer treatment; this special day
also gives people the opportunity to find strength through collective
celebration, and to honor inspirational lymphedema patients and their
advocates; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Lindenhurst, New York, Tina Himaya has
suffered with primary lymphedema throughout her body since birth; in
spite of these challenges, she has served as an inspirational advocate
for lymphedema and lymphatic disease awareness, education, and research;
and

WHEREAS, In 2007, Tina Himaya joined the Lymphatic Education &
Research Network (LE&RN) in order to raise both funds and awareness for
this disease which effects so many people; in early 2018, she and her
colleagues wrote and performed a bio-musical chronicling her life-long
struggle with lymphedema; someday, they plan to tour the country sharing
this performance; and

WHEREAS, In that same year, Tina Himaya traveled to Washington, DC,
where she urged Congress to fund lymphatic disease research, and sang
the "Star-Spangled Banner" on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at the
inaugural DC Walk & Rally to Fight Lymphedema & Lymphatic Diseases; and

WHEREAS, Through her hard work, Tina Himaya surpassed her
fundraising goal, and once again, sang the national anthem for the
opening of the 2018 NY Run/Walk to Fight Lymphedema & Lymphatic
Diseases; and

WHEREAS, A positive role model for those suffering with lymphedema,
Tina Himaya has worked tirelessly to promote education, research and
advocacy for all lymphatic diseases; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the

recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Tina Himaya for her outstanding advocacy, support, and
fundraising efforts for lymphedema awareness; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Tina Himaya.