HLS 16RS-2562 ORIGINAL
2016 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 85
BY REPRESENTATIVES BARRAS AND TERRY LANDRY
CONDOLENCES: Expresses condolences upon the death of Markell Gregoire and
designates Monday, May 2, 2016, as Markell Day at the state capitol
1 A RESOLUTION
2To express the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of Markell
3 Gregoire and to designate Monday, May 2, 2016, as Markell Day at the state capitol.
4 WHEREAS, it was with deep regret and profound sorrow that the members of the
5Louisiana House of Representatives learned of the death of Markell Gregoire; and
6 WHEREAS, in 2009, at the age of nine, Markell began to express a pain in his leg;
7he was a physically active young boy who enjoyed playing football and basketball with his
8siblings and friends; and
9 WHEREAS, Markell's mother, Monique, took him to the doctor and tests revealed
10that he was suffering from osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer; and
11 WHEREAS, Markell's family turned to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for his
12treatment and care; and
13 WHEREAS, Markell underwent nine weeks of chemotherapy and a surgery to
14remove the tumor with a limb salvaging procedure; after the surgery, Markell bravely
15received twenty-six more weeks of chemotherapy, as well as physical therapy; and
16 WHEREAS, after his treatment ended, Markell returned home and resumed his
17schooling; however, in June of 2012, the cancer had returned and doctors determined that
18his left leg below his knee needed to be amputated; and
19 WHEREAS, in early 2013, Markell's upper left leg began to swell and hurt, and the
20doctors at St. Jude confirmed that the cancer again returned; his treatment included a surgery
Page 1 of 2 HLS 16RS-2562 ORIGINAL
HR NO. 85
1to remove the remaining bone and joint in his left leg, as well as radiation therapy and
2chemotherapy; and
3 WHEREAS, Markell's courage throughout his surgeries and treatments is worthy of
4the highest respect and admiration; during his time at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital,
5Markell proved himself to be outgoing and charming; he enjoyed basketball, spending time
6with friends, watching sports, and playing video games; and
7 WHEREAS, in 2016, Markell lost his battle with cancer; he was admired by all
8whose lives he touched and is greatly missed, but his memory will live in the mind and
9hearts of all who knew and loved him.
10 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
11Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the
12death of Markell Gregoire; does hereby extend the hope that his family and friends will be
13granted the strength that they need to cope with their loss; and does hereby designate
14Monday, May 2, 2016, as Markell Day at the state capitol.
15 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
16to the family of Markell Gregoire.
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)]
HR 85 Original 2016 Regular Session Barras
Expresses condolences upon the death of Markell Gregoire and designates Monday, May 2,
2016, as Markell Day at the state capitol.
Page 2 of 2