MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Banks, Bozeman, Clarke, Evans, Green (72nd), Robinson (63rd), Wallace

House Resolution 28

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING DERRICK JONES FOR HIS EFFORTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS TOWARD BETTERING THE LIVES OF OTHER BURN VICTIMS IN HIS COMMUNITY. 

WHEREAS, at the age of twelve years old, while on vacation from Los Angeles, California, visiting relatives in McComb, Mississippi, Derrick Jones was severely burned over sixty percent of his body when the truck he was sitting in suddenly exploded; and

WHEREAS, by the Grace and Blessings of Almighty God, Derrick Jones was flown by helicopter to Greenville, Mississippi, where, for three and one-half months, he received the best medical treatment in the State of Mississippi, and the cost of such care was $200,000.00; and

WHEREAS, with the help of the Children's Burn Foundation in Sherman Oaks, California, and famous comedian Richard Pryor, Derrick Jones was transferred home in California where he continued treatment and therapy at the Sherman Oaks Burn Center for nine months, and one year after the accident he was well enough to begin reconstructive surgery; and

WHEREAS, medical insurance did not cover the reconstructive surgery Derrick Jones needed, so his mother diligently began to do whatever she could to raise the money for Derrick's surgery, the total cost of which was about $100,000.00; and

WHEREAS, because of his strong will and desire to become strong enough to give help and support to other burn victims like himself, Derrick Jones is body building, bench pressing 380 pounds and is well on his way to graduating from college with the intentions of becoming a physical therapist specializing in helping other burn victims learn to rebuild their bodies and their lives; and

WHEREAS, Derrick Jones and his mother, Earline Jones Ramsey, have established the Derrick Jones Burn Foundation to serve other burn victims in four areas of need: providing financial assistance to those burn victims who would otherwise go without proper medical attention; provide financial assistance for family members staying with the burn patient for lodging, phone calls, meals and other personal necessities; giving counsel and moral support to burn victims and their families; and providing the Greenville Burn Center with items for patient entertainment such as VCR's, movies and video games; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend excellence, especially when it is exhibited by the youth of this state, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Derrick Jones for his efforts and accomplishments at helping other burn victims in the state and the country.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Derrick Jones and the members of the Capitol Press Corps.