Sahara "Hoops" Aldridge
1994 - 2007
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On January 17th, I posted an update regarding Senate Bill 35 known as "Sahara's Law" in Missouri. The bill is named after the late Sahara Aldridge, who lost her courageous battle with a malignant brain stem tumor at the age of 13. This Thursday February 14, at 8:30 a.m. Sahara's mother, Amy Aldridge, will testify before the Senate Ways and Means Committee. If
passed, this legislation will allow a check box to appear on Missouri State
Income Tax Returns that will allow Missourians to donate $1 of their refund to
pediatric cancer research. All funds will go to Cure Search-The National
Childhood Cancer Foundation. This funding initiative is a wonderful way to
honor Sahara's memory.
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Senator Wayne Wallingford
(Photo: Courtesy of Southeast Missouri State University)
(Photo: Courtesy of Southeast Missouri State University)
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Missouri State Senator Wayne Wallingford was so moved by Sahara's story after meeting Amy last year, that he responded with this powerful initiative. To those of you reading this post, I'd like to ask for your help with one simple act. No matter where you reside, if you haven't had a chance to email a note of support to Senator Wallingford, please do so right away at: wayne.wallingford@senate.mo.gov.
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Please thank Wayne for
his help, and let him know that you believe in and support this legislation.
This is an urgent issue that crosses all party lines. It doesn't matter if you're a
Republican, a Democrat, or an Independent. Pediatric research costs money, and funding is falling woefully short of the mark! For this
reason, the passage of House Bill 35 will go a long way to help uncover the
causes and cures for pediatric cancer. Sahara's parents, Shannon and Amy, are deeply dedicated to helping ensure that no parent has to endure the suffering of losing a child to pediatric cancer. Let's help them with our thoughts, our prayers and a word of support to Senator Wallingford.
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(Photo Courtesy of Jamie Holcomb)
Sahara was nicknamed "Hoops" for her love of playing basketball. Her parents, Shannon and Amy are seen here holding a basketball bearing Sahara's jersey number. Let's stand with Amy this Thursday morning with our full support!
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UPDATE FROM AMY POSTED ON FACEBOOK FEBRUARY 14TH:
"This morning was AWESOME. Thanks to Sen. Wayne
Wallingford for his gracious welcome and powerful speech. The committee
was a receptive and attentive group, and support came from both sides
of the aisle. My voice finally came back, so I was able to speak with
passion. I am so amped up right now. The bill goes to Executive session
next Thursday, on February 21st, no less. :-). I'll give you the full
scoop tonight, but right now I'm enjoying a fabulous cranberry muffin
and coffee at Chez Monet before I head back. Thanks to each of you for
holding my virtual hand today. I think it was the best speech I've ever
given. Let's hope that it worked. I gave it all that I had to give."
7 comments:
Thanks for bringing to our attention another good cause. I hope hundreds if not thousands of people write in or call.
Stephen: The date has finally arrived and I'm confident Amy will do well. The emails are appreciated.
Hi Michael,
Very sad to hear about Sahara. I hope many people write in.
Happy Valentines day.
Lydia: I understand that Amy's presentation was amazing. The vote comes in the weeks ahead. Sahara's story continues to inspires many.
Happy Valentines Day!
Thanks for bringing such worthwhile issues to our attention, Michael. You do good work! Children are our most precious resources.
Thanks for the update! I hope this Bill passes. A dollar seems such a small amount to help so many children!
Blessings, Michael!
Hi Alisa: I too hope this bill passes. If millions of people donate a dollar, this initiative will move forward to help so many children! I really believe Amy made an outstanding presentation. This bill is in my prayers!
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