LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Erica Sandoval upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Outstanding Service Award by the Sickle
Cell Thalassemia Patients Network

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Erica Sandoval upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Outstanding Service Award by the Sickle Cell Thalassemia Patients
Network to be celebrated at its 22nd Annual Woman of the Year Dinner
Dance Benefit on Saturday, March 28, 2015, at the Grand Prospect Hall,
Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Since 1993, the Sickle Cell Thalassemia Patients Network
(SCTPN) has recognized medical professionals and individuals who have
dedicated themselves to improving the quality of life for people living
with Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia; and
WHEREAS, Erica Sandoval received her Masters of Social Work degree
from New York University's School of Social Work in 2011, and earned a
Post Graduate certificate in Clinical Practice with Adolescents and
family from NYU School of Social Work in 2014; and
WHEREAS, Committed to helping others, Erica Sandoval has worked with
many diverse communities in various settings; her professional experi-
ence includes direct patient contact as a hospital-based social worker,
group facilitator, and advocate for children diagnosed with a chronic
illness; and
WHEREAS, As Program Coordinator for Charla de lupus/lupus chat Teen
and Parent group, Erica Sandoval participated in numerous interdiscipli-
nary committees to develop policies and best practice models for service
within the pediatric rheumatology community; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Erica Sandoval has led hospital-wide initiatives
and has partnered with many community non-profits such as the Arthritis
Foundation, Alliance for Lupus Research; she has also served as a member
on the Board for the Arthritis Foundation Walk Committee; and
WHEREAS, A licensed social worker and therapist, Erica Sandoval has
presented research at national conferences on innovative hospital based
social work programming, as well as on integrating relevant psychosocial
interventions and systems for hospital based multidisciplinary centers
of excellence; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Erica Sandoval is the Director for Medical
Outreach at Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York; in this
capacity, she manages relationships with medical facilities, community-
based organizations, and continuing care clinics to help identify
medically eligible children; and
WHEREAS, In fiscal year 2014, Erica Sandoval's outstanding work with
the Medical Outreach Department has helped identify 96 children living
with sickle cell disease, all of whom will be having their most heart-
felt wishes granted; and
WHEREAS, Individuals such as Erica Sandoval, who have given so self-
lessly of their skills and dedication, have proven to be a great asset
to the health and welfare of the citizens of the State of New York; 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
honor Erica Sandoval upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Outstanding Service Award by the Sickle Cell Thalassemia Patients
Network; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Erica Sandoval.