Senate Resolution No. 343

BY: Senator MARTINS

COMMENDING the Like A Daisy Foundation upon the
occasion of hosting its Night to Shine on February
7, 2025

WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations devoted to improving the
quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and
self-worth are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; and

WHEREAS, From time to time, society calls upon these individuals and
organizations to be recognized for the significance of their
contributions and efforts to assist others in developing the skills
necessary to be successful, productive citizens; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Like A
Daisy Foundation upon the occasion of hosting its Night to Shine on
Friday, February 7, 202, at Archangel Michael Church in Port Washington,
New York; and

WHEREAS, On behalf of the Like a Daisy Foundation, Night to Shine
(NTS), is a special prom night experience for individuals with special
needs, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation; and

WHEREAS, The Like A Daisy Foundation enhances and improves the lives
of individuals with special needs through connecting them to their
faith, organizing social events, and advocating for their specialized
care; and

WHEREAS, The Like A Daisy Foundation was established in honor of
Samantha Eliades, a young woman with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) who
passed away unexpectedly on September 28, 2023, from a pulmonary
embolism, which shocked her family and her extended community; and

WHEREAS, In response to this immense loss, the family of Samantha
Eliades established the Like A Daisy Foundation in her honor; the
foundation's name comes from one of Samantha's beloved "Sam-isms"; while
others might say they "slept like a baby," Samantha would instead say
she "slept like a daisy"; this special phrase became the perfect symbol
for the foundation, serving as a heartwarming tribute to the cherished
memory of an incredible woman, loved by all who were fortunate enough to
know her; and

WHEREAS, Although her 34 years of life involved her enduring this
challenging disability, Samantha Eliades lived a life filled with
immense joy, lots of laughs, travel and culture, as well as singing and
dancing, and she was always surrounded by a tremendous amount of love
from her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Samantha Eliades was truly a bright light who impacted
everyone who knew her without even trying; her insight and strength will
forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the countless lives
she touched; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Samantha's ability to bring joy to others has
been the driving force for the Like A Daisy Foundation to continue her
legacy; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Like A Daisy Foundation upon the occasion of hosting its
Night to Shine on February 7, 2025; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Like A Daisy Foundation.