WHEREAS, David A. Lawrence of Richmond, a well-known rehabilitation professional, has made significant contributions to individuals and his profession; and

WHEREAS, David Lawrence received a bachelor's degree from Edinboro University and a master's degree in physical therapy from the University of Miami; he has also received certification for athletic training from West Chester University of Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, after coming to Richmond in 1991 to fulfill a scholarship service obligation at the McGuire Veterans Administration Hospital, David Lawrence accepted a position as the sports and prosthetic rehabilitation specialist for Sheltering Arms Rehabilitation Hospital; and

WHEREAS, in 2000, David Lawrence began teaching on a national circuit to share his experience and expertise with others and cofounded the Walking Free Program, an international organization devoted to assisting developing nations by establishing sustainable prosthetic rehabilitation centers; and

WHEREAS, providing millions of dollars through in-kind contributions, Walking Free has aided more than 10,000 patients with prosthetic and orthotic needs in the program's centers in Turkey, Jordan, the Philippines, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti; and

WHEREAS, a dedicated volunteer, David Lawrence was named to the United States Olympic Committee Medical Team for the Atlanta Paralympic Games in 1996, and coached the National Volleyball Team through Disabled Sports USA; and

WHEREAS, in 2006, David Lawrence opened his own practice in Richmond and Hampton Roads, the Gait Center, to meet the needs of Virginians who have suffered from an injury or disease that limited their ability to walk; and

WHEREAS, a well-respected educator, David Lawrence also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Old Dominion University and a guest lecturer at Virginia Commonwealth University; and

WHEREAS, respected by his colleagues and clients, David Lawrence's life work provides an essential service to others by helping them increase their mobility; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly commend an internationally renowned educator and rehabilitation professional, David A. Lawrence, for his remarkable dedication to helping others; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to David A. Lawrence as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his extraordinary career accomplishments.