Senate Resolution No. 1810

BY: Senator REICHLIN-MELNICK

MOURNING the death of Dream Shepherd, the
inspiration behind New York State's Dream's Law

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is deeply moved to inscribe upon its
records this remembrance for Dream Shepherd, a young woman of incredible
perseverance whose fortitude and optimism were greater than any personal
hardship she faced; and

WHEREAS, Dream Shepherd of Ossining, New York, died on Saturday,
August 21, 2021, at the age of 16 after a battle with sickle cell anemia
which developed into osteosarcoma; and

WHEREAS, Even though she passed away at a young age, Dream Shepherd
truly changed the world as the driving force behind the passing of
Dream's Law, which ensures thousands of New Yorkers who require a
central venous line will have proper access to a home healthcare service
upon discharge from the hospital; and

WHEREAS, Dream's Law was motivated by the struggle Dream Shepherd's
family faced following her 2014 release from the hospital after a
transplant of stem cells from her mother Diana Lemon to treat her sickle
cell anemia; and

WHEREAS, Unfortunately, the insurance company declined a request for
nursing support to manage Dream Shepherd's central venous line, which
goes into the patient's heart; her mother did not have a medical
background or resources to hire an aide on her own, and was left in
charge of the central venous line which was a daunting task; and

WHEREAS, In 2018, Dream Shepherd and her mother met with New York
State Senator David Carlucci at the Capitol in Albany, New York, to
advocate for Dream's Law; the bill was later sponsored by Assemblywoman
Sandra Galef and was signed into law by then Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in
2019, and was expanded to cover others whose medical conditions demanded
more post-hospital care than their families could provide on their own;
and

WHEREAS, Dream Shepherd and her mother were also instrumental in
raising awareness for the Shepherd Patterson Law, which ensures parents
of minor children with serious medical conditions were made aware of
educational accommodations; and

WHEREAS, Dream Shepherd was born to make a difference; she joined
the Girl Scouts as a kindergartener, and throughout her short but
inspired life, she truly lived by its motto, be prepared to help out
wherever she is needed; and

WHEREAS, Even though she had a disease, this compassionate, proud
young woman lived a life full of joy and adventure; through the Garden
of Dreams Foundation, she sang at Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon
Theater with the O.A.R. 2.0 chorus; and

WHEREAS, When she was 14 years-old, Dream Shepherd was featured in a
special about transplant recipients hosted by Robin Roberts of "Good
Morning America," and for her steadfast and unremitting commitment to
helping others, she was named a New York State Woman of Distinction in
2015; and

WHEREAS, New Yorkers will forever be indebted to Dream Shepherd, who
tirelessly worked to make life a little bit easier for those dealing
with serious medical conditions; and

WHEREAS, Dream Shepherd's infinite selflessness and benevolence will
shine on through her family's vivid and happy memories; her insight and
strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the
countless lives she touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Dream Shepherd leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all she
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Dream Shepherd, and to express its deepest
condolences to her family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Dream Shepherd.