HLS 13RS-2080 ORIGINAL Page 1 of 3 Regular Session, 2013 HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 82 BY REPRESENTATIVE REYNOLDS COMMENDATIONS: Commends Scott Wells for his advocacy on behalf of people with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities A RESOLUTION1 To commend Scott Wells on his second "Cycling for Independence" journey and for serving2 as a devoted and unwavering champion for people with spinal cord injuries,3 traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological disorders.4 WHEREAS, it is appropriate to commend Scott Wells for his extraordinary success,5 dauntless spirit, admirable athleticism, and unwavering determination, particularly in his6 second "Cycling for Independence" journey; and7 WHEREAS, Mr. Wells is the president, CEO, and founder of Independence8 Regained Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a neurological rehabilitation9 hospital in north Louisiana which will facilitate the independence of others with spinal cord10 and traumatic brain injuries and other neurological disorders; and11 WHEREAS, the mission of Independence Regained Inc. is "To rehabilitate, educate,12 and integrate people with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other13 neurological disorders back into all aspects of an independent life", and Mr. Wells has lived14 this mission since 1999, when he became paralyzed in a car accident; and15 WHEREAS, Mr. Wells is a United States Navy veteran, has served on the board of16 Think First of the ArkLaTex, and has been a member of the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury17 Professionals, Inc., since 2010; and18 WHEREAS, in 2010, Mr. Wells was recognized by the greater Shreveport Chamber19 of Commerce as one of Shreveport's top 40 under 40 young professionals and since that year20 has been a distinguished member of Cambridge Who's Who; and21 HLS 13RS-2080 ORIGINAL HR NO. 82 Page 2 of 3 WHEREAS, Mr. Wells is a lifetime member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America1 (PVA), and in October 2010, he completed a two-hundred-fifty-mile handcycle journey from2 Bossier City to the state capitol in Baton Rouge; and3 WHEREAS, Mr. Wells' journey, known as "Cycling for Independence", raises4 awareness of brain and spinal cord injuries and the need for an all-encompassing5 neurological rehabilitation and research hospital for spinal cord and traumatic brain injury6 patients; and7 WHEREAS, on May 1, 2013, Mr. Wells will travel from Delta, Louisiana, to Airline8 High School in Bossier City on his second "Cycling for Independence" journey; and9 WHEREAS, the success of the state of Louisiana, the strength of our communities,10 and the overall vitality of American society depend in great measure upon people like11 Mr. Wells, a true Louisiana hero and an inspiration to all; and12 WHEREAS, Mr. Wells has distinguished himself as an exemplary and highly13 admired citizen of Louisiana, and he merits a special measure of commendation for the14 tremendous pride, honor, and joy that he brings to the citizens of Louisiana.15 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the16 Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend Scott Wells on his second "Cycling for17 Independence" journey and for serving as a devoted and unwavering champion for people18 with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological disorders. 19 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the Legislature20 of Louisiana does hereby recognize and record the extraordinary accomplishments and21 achievements of Scott Wells, does hereby extend enduring gratitude for the contributions he22 has made to his community, his family, and society, and does hereby wish him success, good23 health, and happiness in the future.24 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted25 to Scott Wells.26 HLS 13RS-2080 ORIGINAL HR NO. 82 Page 3 of 3 DIGEST The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)] Reynolds HR No. 82 Commends Scott Wells on his second "Cycling for Independence" journey and for serving as a devoted and unwavering champion for people with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological disorders.