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2011 SESSION

11100744D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 670
Offered January 12, 2011
Commending Nicole Mariarose Ferraro.
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Patrons-- Rust, LeMunyon and Plum
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WHEREAS, in April of 2010, Nicole Mariarose Ferraro of Chantilly, age 17, was diagnosed with a rare form of thyroid cancer; and

WHEREAS, through the support of family and friends, Nicole “Nikki” Ferraro faces this immense challenge with grace, humility, and strength; and

WHEREAS, despite her battle with her own illness, this brave Chantilly High School senior decided to turn her diagnosis and prognosis into something positive not only to fight her own cancer, but also to help others who have been diagnosed with cancer; and

WHEREAS, in May of 2010, just before an extensive surgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore, Nikki Ferraro worked relentlessly to organize a “Bite Me Cancer™” team for a Relay for Life cancer walk in Vienna; and

WHEREAS, Nikki Ferraro designed T-shirts to sell and raised an astonishing $20,000 for the American Cancer Society (ACS) in just six weeks; and

WHEREAS, Nikki Ferraro established a nonprofit foundation, “Bite Me Cancer™,” to raise funds for thyroid cancer as well as other cancers; and

WHEREAS, the foundation educates people about thyroid cancer, provides a conduit for news/research updates on many cancers, and helps young people participate in a giving community; and

WHEREAS, prior to her diagnosis, Nikki Ferraro was very active in school activities, including basketball, leadership, and DECA; and

WHEREAS, Nikki Ferraro also volunteered at Main Street Child Development Center and Women Giving Back, and is an active participant in the Young Life Christian organization; and

WHEREAS, Nikki Ferraro continues to show grace, passion, and empathy for others during her struggle; and

WHEREAS, Nikki Ferraro was honored by Leadership Fairfax at its November 2010 gala with the Non-Profit Educational Leadership Award for her proactive approach to facing cancer and her efforts to help others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend Nicole Mariarose Ferraro for her selfless acts and bravery in both fighting the disease and helping other children and teens in similar situations; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Nicole Mariarose Ferraro as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect and admiration for her strong spirit and best wishes for a complete recovery.