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S.C.R. No. 18
1 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of Texas honors and
3 commemorates the life of Raul "Rudy" Acosta, who died February 18,
4 2008, at the age of 43; and
5 WHEREAS, Raul "Rudy" Acosta was born November 25, 1964;
6 diagnosed with a rare and severe form of muscular dystrophy at the
7 age of two, he faced his life with dignity, courage, and an enduring
8 determination to help others with disabilities; and
9 WHEREAS, Mr. Acosta lived for many years in various
10 institutions throughout the state before acquiring the services he
11 needed to live independently; his experiences drove his desire to
12 serve as an advocate for community alternatives to nursing homes
13 and state institutions; and
14 WHEREAS, Mr. Acosta overcame his physical limitations to earn
15 degrees from Odessa College and Texas Tech University, and he was
16 later appointed to the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities
17 by Governor George W. Bush; and
18 WHEREAS, Mr. Acosta served on the board of directors of
19 Advocacy, Incorporated, and in 2002 was honored by the Texas State
20 Independent Living Council with its Outstanding Consumer Award; and
21 WHEREAS, A man of courage, inner strength, and limitless
22 resolve, Mr. Acosta gave generously to others, and his wisdom,
23 irrepressible good humor, and enthusiasm for living each day to the
24 fullest will not be forgotten by those who knew him; he will long be