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1998 SESSION

985865216
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 442
Offered March 10, 1998
Commending Michael E. Bond.
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Patrons-- Drake, Croshaw, McDonnell, Moss, Purkey, Tata, Wagner and Wardrup; Senators: Schrock and Stolle
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WHEREAS, neuromuscular disease attacks children without discrimination, and there is currently no cure for the 40 various forms of muscular dystrophy; and

WHEREAS, Michael E. Bond, a Norfolk businessman and former Navy SEAL, swam across the Chesapeake Bay to raise funds to help find a cure for muscular dystrophy; and

WHEREAS, Michael Bond trained for over a year in anticipation of the swim, running, lifting weights, and swimming several hours each day; and

WHEREAS, at 8:20 of the morning of Friday, May 30, 1997, Michael Bond entered the chilly waters at Fisherman's Island on the Eastern Shore; and

WHEREAS, Michael Bond swam continuously for approximately 15 miles across the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, emerging cold and wobbly on the sand at Virginia Beach just before 5:00 p.m.; and

WHEREAS, Michael Bond raised over $5,000 for the local Muscular Dystrophy Association by conquering the Chesapeake Bay; and

WHEREAS, the Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency working to defeat neuromuscular disease through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive patient and community services, and far-reaching professional and public health education; and

WHEREAS, Michael Bond overcame fog, strong currents, hypothermia, oncoming vessels, cramps, and fatigue on his remarkable swim; and

WHEREAS, Michael Bond realized his goal of completing the swim, one of the longest attempts ever across the Chesapeake Bay, within 10 hours; and

WHEREAS, part of Michael Bond's goal was to encourage children with muscular dystrophy to persevere and to draw strength from his own example and his belief that nothing is impossible; and

WHEREAS, Michael Bond has pledged to make the Chesapeake Bay swim an annual event and has opened the Bay crossing challenge to all comers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend Michael E. Bond for his extraordinary feat of endurance on behalf of children afflicted with neuromuscular disease; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Michael E. Bond as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his exemplary achievement.