LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Dr. Tom Catena upon the occasion of
being named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People for 2015

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those medical professionals within our midst
who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein;
and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary doctors it wishes to recognize for their valued contrib-
utions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge
their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Dr. Tom Catena upon the occasion of being named one of TIME's 100 Most
Influential People for 2015; and
WHEREAS, A native of Amsterdam, New York, Tom Catena earned his bach-
elor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, before proudly serving in the
United States Navy, where he received medical training; and
WHEREAS, For more than 15 years, Dr. Tom Catena has provided his
expert medical care to people in Africa, beginning his career of service
in northern Kenya; and
WHEREAS, After learning of a hospital being built in the Nuba Moun-
tains of Sudan, Dr. Tom Catena accepted a position to work at Mother of
Mercy Hospital, drawn by both the challenge and his desire to serve an
area in need; and
WHEREAS, For the past eight years, Dr. Tom Catena has worked in a
country in which humanitarian organizations are not allowed, providing
his services in the rebel-held territory in which the hospital is
located; and
WHEREAS, Today, this remarkable man is the only doctor in the 435-bed
hospital, working with a staff of about 60 people, with only a handful
having had formal schooling; and
WHEREAS, The sole surgeon in a region the size of the state of Geor-
gia, serving 750,000 to a million people, Dr. Tom Catena works tireless-
ly to treat people with such major medical issues as malaria, tuberculo-
sis, pneumonia and leprosy, as well as serious injuries from land mines;
and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Dr. Tom Catena has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when medical
professionals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dr. Tom Catena upon the occasion of being named one of TIME's
100 Most Influential People for 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Tom Catena.