Senate Resolution No. 585 BY: Senator PARKER COMMENDING Margaret E. McGruder-Collins upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York at its Celebration of Women Luncheon WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and cannot be sufficiently extolled; and WHEREAS, Margaret E. McGruder-Collins has given not only of her time and energies but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has been designated for special honor; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Margaret E. McGruder-Collins upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York to be recognized at its Celebration of Women Luncheon on Saturday, March 25, 2023; and WHEREAS, Each year, New York State officially sets aside time to recognize the unique contributions that New York women have made to New York State and beyond; and WHEREAS, Margaret E. McGruder-Collins has been called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given of herself unstintingly; and WHEREAS, A truly multifaceted individual and a qualified nurse from Suffolk Community College, Margaret E. McGruder-Collins went on to earn a Pre-Law and Paralegal Studies degree from Liberty University and a Business Management and Accounting degree from Howard University; and WHEREAS, Margaret E. McGruder-Collins' illustrious career as a nurse has traversed more than 18 years; today, she is a traveling nurse who selflessly attends to her patients in a variety of settings, including correctional facilities, in-home hospice and palliative care, residential treatment, and rehabilitation centers; and WHEREAS, Finding time for all her passions, Margaret E. McGruder-Collins is also a travel agent and legal Nurse Consultant, appearing in court as an expert witness, as well as the proud business owner of Mobile Notary & Signing Company, and a Trucking Logistics Company; and WHEREAS, Prior to her Mobile Notary and Signing Agent Business, Margaret E. McGruder-Collins spent 20 years as a notary public and insurance underwriter for AIG Insurance Company; and WHEREAS, After being diagnosed with cancer in 2014, Margaret E. McGruder-Collins created PinkFire collective, where she works to improve the lives and experiences of cancer patients by adhering to the premise of treating the "whole" person; and WHEREAS, Under her able leadership, the PinkFire collective provides individuals with cancer with rides to treatment appointments as well as support prior to surgery, 24/7 phone counseling, school supplies, and gifts for the holidays for children with parents affected by the tragic condition; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, the initiative works with the Long Island Branch of the Fire Fighters Cancer Support Network to spread the importance of fire personnel screening, prevention, and treatment efforts; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to helping others, Margaret E. McGruder-Collins is a member of Deborah Chapter No. 31 Eureka Grand Chapter Prince Hall Order of Eastern Star, Inc., Prince Hall Medical Foundation, Al Maseer Court No. 226 Oasis of Amityville, Desert of New York, AEAONMS, American Nursing Association, National League of Nurses, NAACP, Fire Fighter Cancer Support Network, Pink Shoes, Inc., and LI Breast Cancer Coalition; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Margaret E. McGruder-Collins has displayed throughout her life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Margaret E. McGruder-Collins upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York at its Celebration of Women Luncheon; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Margaret E. McGruder-Collins.