HR0487 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0487 LRB097 12772 KXB 57282 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Children who have had a loved one die, especially a friend or close family member, can carry that loss with them forever, causing confusion and fearfulness as they struggle to understand why their loved one was taken away; and

WHEREAS, Willow House is the only non-profit organization in the entire State that provides extended services at no fee to children and families; and

WHEREAS, Counseling provided by Willow House offers emotional support for children struggling with grief, allowing them to find guidance and understanding during an extremely difficult time; and

WHEREAS, Willow House Board President Kitty Hoffman began helping children after her son, Michael, along with 7 other students, were killed while riding aboard a school bus that was involved in a railroad crossing accident in Fox River Grove on October 25, 1995; and

WHEREAS, Florida and Pennsylvania have already signed on in support of grieving children by declaring Thursday, November 17, 2011, as "Children's Grief Awareness Day" in their respective states; and

WHEREAS, On November 17, 2011, citizens and communities throughout Illinois are encouraged to wear blue in an effort to raise awareness and show their support for mournful children and the grief centers that seek to serve those young people confounded by the reality of death; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize November 17, 2011, as "Children's Grief Awareness Day" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That Willow House be recognized for its efforts to support children, teens, families, and communities who are coping with death and dying; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Kitty Hoffman as a symbol of our respect and esteem.