LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Evans Family for special recogni-
tion, in conjunction with the observance of March 2016, as National
Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

WHEREAS, It is important to recognize that the quality and character of
life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the
concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who would devote
themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York is justly proud to commend and desig-
nate special recognition upon the Evans family of Galway, New York; and
WHEREAS, Inspired by an idea by Shamus Evans, Shaun, Nichole, Shamus
and Simon Evans created the "Power to Push" charity run to give children
like Shamus with cerebral palsy the feeling of running by raising funds
for Ainsley's Angels of America, a nonprofit organization that gives
individuals with disabilities the chance to participate in endurance
sports; and
WHEREAS, The "running chariot" is a running stroller specially
designed for those with disabilities to give them and their families
access to places they have never been able to go before such as hiking
trails and bike paths; and
WHEREAS, Shaun Evans, a gifted marathon runner, pushed 9-year-old
Shamus in a "running chariot" 60 straight days in a coast-to-coast trek
across the entire United States of America while running 50 to 60 miles
a day for a total of 3,201 miles, a journey from Washington State to New
York; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York celebrates the triumphs made by the
Evans family which raised over $100,000 and donated approximately two
dozen running chariots to families along their route throughout their
60-day run; and
WHEREAS, A positive recreation experience can invigorate the mind,
body, and soul and is a source of positive energy in the rehabilitation
process; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with disabil-
ities through recreational and athletic activities, the Evans family has
touched the lives of other families throughout the country by their
dedication, support and example; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional family stands behind its mission that no one
should be left behind because of a disability; it is possible to remove
boundaries, fulfill dreams, enhance self-esteem, and empower youth with
disabilities through participation in sport and interactive activities;
and
WHEREAS, It is essential that individuals and families of such benevo-
lent aims, and which have achieved notable success and accomplishments,
are celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of the great State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize offi-
cial months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious condi-
tions that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to acknowl-
edge the Evans Family in conjunction with the observance of March 2016,
as National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, Cerebral Palsy is a broad diagnostic term used to describe a
problem with movement and posture due to damage or abnormalities in the
brain that makes certain activities difficult; it is the most common
motor disorder and the second most common disability found in children;
and

WHEREAS, After this outstanding accomplishment, the Evans Family is
destined to continue its noble mission of service to the community, and
to the world, exemplifying the ideals of generosity, compassion and
charity for many years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Evans Family upon the occasion of creating and complet-
ing the 60-day "Power to Push" charity run and to commend Shaun,
Nichole, Shamus and Simon, who have labored so conscientiously to main-
tain and improve the quality of life in our local community and beyond;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Evans Family.