HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2023-4640

HR 4640

ByRepresentative McClintock

WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State House of Representatives to recognize excellence in every field of endeavor; and

WHEREAS, Sandra Bedrosian Sermone has received the 2022 Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Founded in 2003 by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, the President's Volunteer Service Awards are a distinctive honor bestowed in recognition of extraordinary voluntary contributions. The Gold award is presented to adults volunteering 250 hours or more; and

WHEREAS, Sermone has dedicated her volunteer efforts to support those whose lives have been impacted by Activity-Dependent Neuroprotective Protein (ADNP) Syndrome, a rare and complex neuro-developmental genetic disorder caused by a change in the ADNP gene. The syndrome is estimated to be one of the top single gene causes of Autism and can affect the neurological, cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and kidney, urinary, and respiratory systems, as well as muscle tone (hypotonia), vision, hearing, growth, feeding, and sleep; and

WHEREAS, In 2016, Sermone founded the ADNP Kids Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting children and families impacted by ADNP syndrome which has connected with approximately 450 families and raised two million dollars towards a cure for ADNP syndrome, the highest single contributor to ADNP syndrome research worldwide; and

WHEREAS, In the year 2022, Sermone volunteered at the foundation for one thousand hours, which equates to working a part-time job without pay;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives honor and congratulate Sandra Bedrosian Sermone on receiving the 2022 Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award and congratulate her and the volunteers she leads for their contribution in aiding those who suffer because of ADNP syndrome; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Sandra Bedrosian Sermone.