Office of the City Clerk - Record #: R2015-185

• Record #: R2015-185
• Type: Resolution
• Status: Adopted
• Intro date: 3/18/2015
• Final action: 3/18/2015
• Title: Recognition extended to Margaret Hackett for perseverance and fortitude in overcoming challenges of debilitating disease
• Sponsors: Burke, Edward M.

Date	Journal Page Number	Action By	Action	Result
3/18/2015	105190	City Council	Adopted	Pass
3/18/2015		City Council	Introduced (Agreed Calendar)

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Margaret ^Hackett was diagnosed as infant with Craniometaphyseal Dysplasia, a rare metabolic bone disease which resulted in a dramatic hearing loss and Bell's palsy; and

WHEREAS, Despite these obstacles Margaret Hackett played softball, excelled in school and lives a relatively conventional life; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Hackett continued to thrive until the 6^th grade when doctors discovered an abnormal growth at the base of her skull that caused intense headaches and dizziness; and

WHEREAS, Over the past 15 years Margaret Hackett has been in and out of acute care hospitals and endured 20 surgeries, some which resulted in complications; and

WHEREAS, At one point in her life, Margaret Hackett became confined to a wheelchair and lost virtually all sensation from her neck down; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Hackett additionally developed a condition which causes cysts to form on her spinal cord; and

WHEREAS, In spite of all of these obstacles, Margaret Hackett has excelled at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago where her intense and ongoing therapies such as resistance training and interval treadmill exercises have helped to her to regain enough mobility to again maneuver her own wheelchair; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Hackett regained the ability to stand and use a walker with the assistance of customized leg braces; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Hackett's hard work and continued therapy also led to a vast improvement in her dexterity and increased her endurance; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Hackett graduated from high school with the 7^th highest grade point average in her class; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Hackett went on to attend classes at the University of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Using a custom-made hand-cycle, Margaret Hackett participated in SkyRise Chicago 2013 successfully completed a simulated program that mirrored the 103-floor stair climb; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her journey, Margaret Hackett has learned that dreams are still attainable and considers herself a true survivor; now, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this eighteenth day of November, 2015, do hereby applaud and recognize Margaret Hackett for her perseverance and indomitable spirit; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Margaret Hackett.

Alderman - 14^th Ward