83R15895 BK-D
By: Deshotel H.R. No. 1355
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Iram Leon of Austin won the hearts of people across
the nation when he took first place in the Beaumont Gusher Marathon
on March 9, 2013, while pushing his six-year-old daughter, Kiana,
in a stroller; and
WHEREAS, Braving strong winds, errant shoelaces, and even a
flat stroller tire, "Jay" Leon ended the 26-mile race with a time of
3 hours, 7 minutes, and 35 seconds; on receiving his marathon medal,
he draped it around the neck of Kiana, acknowledging her as the true
champion; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Leon's win in this year's Gusher Marathon comes
more than two years after he was diagnosed with grade 2 diffuse
astrocytoma, an advanced form of brain cancer, shortly after his
30th birthday; resolving to cherish every moment, especially those
spent with Kiana, he began including his daughter in his favorite
hobby, running; and
WHEREAS, The father and daughter duo completed their first
half-marathon in the fall of 2012, with Mr. Leon taking Kiana along
in a stroller, and several more races have since followed; while he
has had to convince marathon officials to allow this somewhat
unconventional arrangement, he has made it a priority to have his
daughter share in his achievements firsthand, and for her part,
Kiana has taken to her role as his sidekick and number one
cheerleader with great relish; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Leon reports on his activities to a growing fan
base through his blog and social media outlets, and he has been
featured in multiple newspapers, magazines, online articles, and
television programs across the world; through it all, he has
remained consistent in his message, using his newfound fame to
remind others to let their loved ones know how much they care about
them; and
WHEREAS, Demonstrating an impassioned sense of purpose and an
earnest devotion to Kiana, the most precious part of his life, Jay
Leon continues on his journey with the heartfelt admiration of
countless people, who clearly recognize a winner when they see one;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Jay Leon on his first-place finish
in the 2013 Gusher Marathon and commend him for his courage, good
humor, and inspiring example; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Leon as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.