89S20763 BK-D     By: Moody H.R. No. 72       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, Amber Cervantes has worked tirelessly to raise   awareness about the neurodegenerative disorder known as   Huntington's disease, and her efforts are indeed deserving of   special recognition; and          WHEREAS, A native of El Paso and an educator in the Georgetown   Independent School District, Mrs. Cervantes became active in the   Huntington's disease community after her husband, Albert, was   diagnosed in 2018; at the time, Mr. Cervantes was a member of the   United States Air Force, and he ultimately served his nation for   more than 20 years before retiring; the disease is characterized by   such neurological symptoms as mood swings, depression,   forgetfulness, involuntary movements, and difficulties with speech   and swallowing, which become more severe over time; as the disease   progresses, sufferers gradually lose the ability to carry out daily   tasks on their own, leading to increasing reliance on family   members and caregivers; and          WHEREAS, The life-altering nature of Huntington's disease,   combined with the fact that it often manifests during a person's   prime working years, can be devastating for affected individuals   and their loved ones; hoping to make a difference for families like   her own, Mrs. Cervantes became involved in the Huntington's Disease   Society of America and has since lobbied for timely Medicare   assistance for those coping with a Huntington's disease diagnosis;   her advocacy efforts have included meeting with numerous   congressional offices and rallying support among lawmakers for the   Huntington's Disease Parity Act in 2021; and          WHEREAS, Mrs. Cervantes has further contributed to the   Huntington's disease community by publishing a book, The Invisible   Backpack: A Boy's Story About Huntington's, in June 2025; she was   inspired to write the book to help her son understand the changes he   was seeing in his father and to help families facing similar   challenges; and          WHEREAS, Amber Cervantes has distinguished herself as a   committed champion for increased understanding of Huntington's   disease, and together with like-minded advocates, she is helping   pave the way toward a future with greater hope and improved quality   of life for those impacted by this disease; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas   Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby honor Amber Cervantes for   her work to raise awareness of Huntington's disease and extend to   her sincere best wishes for continued success in all her endeavors;   and, be it further          RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be   prepared for Mrs. Cervantes as an expression of high regard by the   Texas House of Representatives.