Honor Ava Walia's Organ Advocacy

Senate Resolution No. 762 BY: Senator MARTINS CONGRATULATING Ava Walia upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of Donate Life New York State's Junior Ambassador Award, and recognizing her contributions to organ donation awareness WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and cannot be sufficiently extolled; and WHEREAS, Ava Walia has given not only of her time and energies, but also of her competence, intelligence, and leadership, and consequently has been designated for special honor; and WHEREAS, Organ and tissue transplantation has advanced from an experimental technique to a successful mode of therapy; for many, transplants mean an improvement in the quality of life; for others, they mean the difference between life and death; and WHEREAS, Organ and tissue donation awareness provides opportunities to help New Yorkers learn more about organ donation, to help the thousands of patients awaiting transplantations, and to recognize the critical need for organ, eye, tissue, bone marrow, and blood donation; and WHEREAS, This young advocate, Ava Walia, was impacted by personal loss relating to organ donation, and as a result, became motivated to spread awareness of this impactful and necessary cause; and WHEREAS, Ava Walia has shown an unwavering commitment to this cause through a variety of impactful initiatives, including raising and donating funds through her book, "Ava and Grandpa Harjeet's Journey"; she also has taken a remarkable step for this cause by drafting and proposing her own legislative bill, the New York Saves Lives Act, in collaboration with her elected representative; the bill aims to expand organ donation awareness and accessibility; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the cause, Ava Walia has been justly recognized, having received a standing ovation from New York State legislators, coupled with her designation as Donate Life New York State's Junior Ambassador, where she was recognized at their Third Annual Celebration Luncheon on October 10, 2024; and WHEREAS, This inspired leader, Ava Walia, brimming with motivation, potential, and purpose, is the Royal International Miss New York Sweetheart of 2023, as well as National American Miss New York Preteen of 2024; admirably, she uses these platforms to bring further awareness to the ever-important cause of organ donation; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Ava Walia has displayed through her benevolent acts and good will; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Ava Walia upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of Donate Life New York State's Junior Ambassador Award, and recognizing her contributions to organ donation awareness; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Ava Walia.