Senate Resolution No. 762

BY: Senator MARTINS

CONGRATULATING Ava Walia upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of Donate Life New York
State's Junior Ambassador Award, and recognizing her
contributions to organ donation awareness

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve
the best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration
and cannot be sufficiently extolled; and

WHEREAS, Ava Walia has given not only of her time and energies, but
also of her competence, intelligence, and leadership, and consequently
has been designated for special honor; and

WHEREAS, Organ and tissue transplantation has advanced from an
experimental technique to a successful mode of therapy; for many,
transplants mean an improvement in the quality of life; for others, they
mean the difference between life and death; and

WHEREAS, Organ and tissue donation awareness provides opportunities
to help New Yorkers learn more about organ donation, to help the
thousands of patients awaiting transplantations, and to recognize the
critical need for organ, eye, tissue, bone marrow, and blood donation;
and

WHEREAS, This young advocate, Ava Walia, was impacted by personal
loss relating to organ donation, and as a result, became motivated to
spread awareness of this impactful and necessary cause; and

WHEREAS, Ava Walia has shown an unwavering commitment to this cause
through a variety of impactful initiatives, including raising and
donating funds through her book, "Ava and Grandpa Harjeet's Journey";
she also has taken a remarkable step for this cause by drafting and
proposing her own legislative bill, the New York Saves Lives Act, in
collaboration with her elected representative; the bill aims to expand
organ donation awareness and accessibility; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the cause,
Ava Walia has been justly recognized, having received a standing ovation
from New York State legislators, coupled with her designation as Donate
Life New York State's Junior Ambassador, where she was recognized at
their Third Annual Celebration Luncheon on October 10, 2024; and

WHEREAS, This inspired leader, Ava Walia, brimming with motivation,
potential, and purpose, is the Royal International Miss New York
Sweetheart of 2023, as well as National American Miss New York Preteen
of 2024; admirably, she uses these platforms to bring further awareness
to the ever-important cause of organ donation; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Ava Walia has displayed
through her benevolent acts and good will; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Ava Walia upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of Donate Life New York State's Junior Ambassador Award, and recognizing
her contributions to organ donation awareness; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ava Walia.