TITLE: Recognizing Serena K. Formby-Condon on the occasion of National Brain Injury Awareness Month in March 2017.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Serena K. Formby-Condon on the occasion of National Brain Injury Awareness Month in March 2017.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Serena K. Formby-Condon has demonstrated grace and resilience during her nearly decade-long recovery from a traumatic brain injury; and WHEREAS, A former employee of the Texas Legislative Council, Ms. Formby-Condon worked as a computer consultant from 1995 to 2009; she provided computer support to members of the Texas Legislature through several legislative sessions, in addition to contributing her skills as a graphic designer at various times and serving as web administrator for the council's Computer Support Center; and WHEREAS, Ms. Formby-Condon had been dealing with recurring headaches when, on a holiday vacation in Grand Cayman on December 23, 2007, she suddenly collapsed in the home of her friend, Sonja Guenter; she was rushed to a hospital, where she was found to be suffering from a severe brain hemorrhage, and arrangements were made to fly her by air ambulance to Miami Regional Hospital in Florida; there, she was kept in a medically induced coma for two weeks as doctors battled to save her life; and WHEREAS, After awakening from her coma, Ms. Formby-Condon learned that she had experienced a basal ganglia hemorrhage, a form of stroke that is fatal in 97 percent of reported cases; her survival was hailed as a miracle by the intensive care nurses who treated her, and she went on to undergo several months of physical therapy at St. David's Rehabilitation Hospital in Austin; while there, she received the support and guidance of a team of therapists that included John Cooper, Beth Bostick, Trish Ann Montoya, Stephanie Coker, Bob Whitford, and Michael Burrows, and thanks in large part to their efforts, she continues to take hopeful steps toward regaining her balance and short-term memory; and WHEREAS, Today, Ms. Formby-Condon serves as a board member of the Texas Brain Injury Alliance and as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee for the Brain Injury Association of America, and she communicates daily with survivors, family members, and caregivers from all over the world as the administrator of an online traumatic brain injury support group; comforted and sustained by her faith, she is also blessed in all her endeavors with the love and partnership of her husband, Mark Condon; and WHEREAS, Having overcome tremendous odds, Serena Formby-Condon continues to inspire all who know her with her commitment to promoting awareness and support for victims of life-threatening brain injuries, and she is indeed deserving of our heartfelt commendation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby honor Serena K. Formby-Condon on the occasion of National Brain Injury Awareness Month in March 2017, recognize March 18 as Brain Injury Awareness Day, and extend to Ms. Formby-Condon sincere best wishes for her ongoing recovery; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for her as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Cyrier Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 31 was adopted by the House on February 23, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House