LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Evans family upon the occasion of
completing a cross country run on August 31, 2015, in support of
Ainsley's Angels of America

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that individuals with
disabilities merit our recognition as they realize goals that serve to
lift barriers and expand choices for all persons with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Evans family upon the occasion of completing a cross country run on
Monday, August 31, 2015, in support of Ainsley's Angels of America; and
WHEREAS, The Evans family, which includes Shaun, and his wife,
Nichole, and their two sons, Shamus and Simon, reside in Galway, New
York; and
WHEREAS, An avid ultra-marathon runner, Shaun Evans wanted to involve
Shamus, who has limited mobility due to cerebral palsy, into the running
world; and
WHEREAS, With the help of Ainsley's Angels of America, a group that
works to include children with special needs in endurance events, Shamus
Evans was able to obtain a running chariot which enabled him to partic-
ipate in running events and races with his father; in November of 2013,
Shaun and Shamus Evans won a 45-mile ultra-marathon together; and
WHEREAS, Soon thereafter, Shamus Evans began asking his father when
they could complete a cross country run, and nearly two years later, his
dream has become a reality; on July 4, 2015, Shaun and Shamus, as well
as Nichole and Simon, embarked on a 3,186-mile run across the United
States; and
WHEREAS, This momentous undertaking began in Seattle, Washington, and
ended in New York City on August 31, 2015; Shaun Evans pushed his son in
his chariot nearly the entire time, and Nichole and Simon Evans cheered
them on the whole way; this amazing family averaged more than 50 miles a
day for 53 days straight; and
WHEREAS, As if completing an ultra-marathon a day for approximately
two months was not enough, the Evans family turned their journey into an
incredible mission; the family raised both awareness and significant
funds to support Ainsley's Angels of America; in addition, they also
donated several racing wheelchairs to children with disabilities around
the country; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to those citizens who embody the true American spirit,
demonstrating personal courage and determination, and significantly
contributing to the enhancement of the quality of life of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such enduring courage and accomplishment are brought to our
attention, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those
individuals for the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Evans family upon the occasion of completing a cross country
run in support of Ainsley's Angels of America on August 31, 2015; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Evans family.