J 343: Commending the Like A Daisy Foundation upon the occasion of hosting its Night to Shine on February 7, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 343 BY: Senator MARTINS COMMENDING the Like A Daisy Foundation upon the occasion of hosting its Night to Shine on February 7, 2025 WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations devoted to improving the quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and self-worth are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; and WHEREAS, From time to time, society calls upon these individuals and organizations to be recognized for the significance of their contributions and efforts to assist others in developing the skills necessary to be successful, productive citizens; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Like A Daisy Foundation upon the occasion of hosting its Night to Shine on Friday, February 7, 202, at Archangel Michael Church in Port Washington, New York; and WHEREAS, On behalf of the Like a Daisy Foundation, Night to Shine (NTS), is a special prom night experience for individuals with special needs, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation; and WHEREAS, The Like A Daisy Foundation enhances and improves the lives of individuals with special needs through connecting them to their faith, organizing social events, and advocating for their specialized care; and WHEREAS, The Like A Daisy Foundation was established in honor of Samantha Eliades, a young woman with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) who passed away unexpectedly on September 28, 2023, from a pulmonary embolism, which shocked her family and her extended community; and WHEREAS, In response to this immense loss, the family of Samantha Eliades established the Like A Daisy Foundation in her honor; the foundation's name comes from one of Samantha's beloved "Sam-isms"; while others might say they "slept like a baby," Samantha would instead say she "slept like a daisy"; this special phrase became the perfect symbol for the foundation, serving as a heartwarming tribute to the cherished memory of an incredible woman, loved by all who were fortunate enough to know her; and WHEREAS, Although her 34 years of life involved her enduring this challenging disability, Samantha Eliades lived a life filled with immense joy, lots of laughs, travel and culture, as well as singing and dancing, and she was always surrounded by a tremendous amount of love from her family and friends; and WHEREAS, Samantha Eliades was truly a bright light who impacted everyone who knew her without even trying; her insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to the countless lives she touched; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, Samantha's ability to bring joy to others has been the driving force for the Like A Daisy Foundation to continue her legacy; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations 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 the Like A Daisy Foundation upon the occasion of hosting its Night to Shine on February 7, 2025; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Like A Daisy Foundation.