HR0771 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0771 LRB099 14285 GRL 38366 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize Eveline Deabel and the late Deacon Ray Deabel on the occasion of receiving the 2015 Courage Award from Franciscan St. James Health; and

WHEREAS, The Courage Award is given to those who show great courage and love while battling a life-threatening illness or while showing extraordinary support for a family member through a life-threatening illness; and

WHEREAS, Evie Deabel and her husband, the late Deacon Ray Deabel, together faced Ray's diagnosis of cancer with dignity and bravery; throughout that time, they were fixtures at Franciscan St. James Health, showing their love and care for other patients in spite of the fact that Ray was undergoing radical treatment to battle the disease; and

WHEREAS, With a sense of compassion and always with a smile on his face, Ray Deabel continued to perform his duties as a chaplain at the hospital, while Evie Deabel worked as a guest services representative; at last year's hospital gala, Ray took the stage to honor his oncologist and longtime friend, Dr. Srinivasan, despite the pain he himself was in at the time; and

WHEREAS, When Ray Deabel passed away in March of 2015, his loss left a hole in the heart of St. James; today, Evie Deabel continues to work at the hospital, sharing Ray's story and being a shining beacon of what it means to have courage and faith in the face of adversity; and

WHEREAS, Evie and Ray Deabel serve as models of hard work, integrity, and dedication for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Eveline Deabel and the late Deacon Ray Deabel on the occasion of receiving the 2015 Courage Award from Franciscan St. James Health and thank them for the example of courage and service they have provided for the people of this State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Evie Deabel as a symbol of our esteem and respect.