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Regular Session, 2013
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 99
BY REPRESENTATIVE BARROW
A RESOLUTION
To commend Rhonda McCullough for her hard work in raising awareness for sarcoidosis
and to recognize April 21, 2013, as Rhonda McCullough Day in Louisiana.
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of
Rhonda McCullough, the wife of the late, famed comedian and actor Bernie Mac, whose
death in 2008 was caused by complications from sarcoidosis; and
WHEREAS, sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect almost any organ
in the body and causes heightened immunity, which means that a person's immune system,
which normally protects the body from infection and disease, overreacts, resulting in damage
to the body's own tissues; and
WHEREAS, on April 21, 2013, Mrs. McCullough was the guest speaker at The
Sarcoidosis Awareness Foundation of Louisiana's "Stepping Out Against Sarcoidosis"; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. McCullough founded the Bernie Mac Foundation in 2007, one
year before her husband died, and under her highly skilled leadership, the organization has
actively worked to increase awareness regarding sarcoidosis; and
WHEREAS, the Bernie Mac Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
raising funds for research and increasing awareness of sarcoidosis and serves patients as a
community and meeting place to learn and discuss the effects of sarcoidosis; and
WHEREAS, on October 5, 2012, Bernie Mac's birthday, Mrs. McCullough's many
years of hard work and persistence came to fruition with the opening of the Bernie Mac
Sarcoidosis Translational Advanced Research Clinic at the University of Illinois Health and
Science System; and
WHEREAS, the dedicated and tireless Rhonda McCullough merits a special measure
of recognition and commendation upon visiting Louisiana to raise awareness for sarcoidosis ENROLLEDHR NO. 99
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and for sharing her vision and mission with the Sarcoidosis Awareness Foundation of
Louisiana on April 21, 2013.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby recognize April 21, 2013, as Rhonda McCullough Day
in Louisiana, does hereby commend Rhonda McCullough, wife of the late, famed comedian
Bernie Mac, for her work in raising awareness for sarcoidosis, does hereby recognize and
record for posterity her exceptional talents in philanthropy and vital contributions to
sarcoidosis research, does hereby express enduring appreciation for the tremendous pride
and honor she brings to her community, her family, and her country, and does hereby extend
to her best wishes for continued success and happiness in all of her future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to Rhonda McCullough, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bernie Mac
Foundation.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES