ATJ Update

Remembering a promise
Texas Access to Justice Campaign

...With liberty and JUSTICE FOR ALL.

Can you still recite the Pledge of Allegiance?

It's hard to forget those words, repeated so many times during our youth. But if you're reading this, you understand the depth of their meaning.

Justice for All is a beautiful and uniquely American ideal, but when millions of Texans can't afford access to justice, it also serves as a reminder there’s still work to do.

We encourage you to contribute to the Justice for All Campaign, a statewide campaign created by the Texas Access to Justice Commission. Campaign funds go to organizations in your community and around the state that work tirelessly to ensure the voices of our most vulnerable Texans are heard — like Simon’s.

Simon was diagnosed with a rare, terminal cancer at the age of 9.  Heartbreakingly, Simon was the second child his family would lose to cancer as his sister died shortly before Simon was diagnosed. There was no way to shield Simon from knowing what he had and how it would end.  He had seen his sister’s two-year fight.

When St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital had exhausted treatment options, the family was left with easing Simon’s time while he was still with them. The parents were struggling—the father worked multiple jobs and the mother was unable to work as she stayed home with their bed-bound son. Simon’s Social Security disability application had been denied by the rural Social Security office where they lived.

Thankfully, legal aid stepped in and secured Social Security disability benefits for Simon during the last few months of his life.  The small monthly stipend eased the family’s burden and made it possible for them to buy him a few treats and toys to brighten the days before he passed.

Your help — your donation — keeps these legal services offices open for business and preserves hope for those facing difficult circumstances.

Last year, with only 8 percent of licensed Texas attorneys contributing, $1.16 million was raised.  Imagine how many more people like Simon could be helped if every lawyer contributed the suggested $150 contribution! 

Honor the Pledge by making the suggested $150 ATJ contribution online now at www.texasatj.org or on your annual State Bar dues statement.  Or join our Champion of Justice Society, created to recognize those who wish to show their strong support of access to justice with gifts of $250 or more.

For more information about the Justice for All Campaign or the Champion of Justice Society, visit www.texasatj.org or contact Catherine Galloway, development and communications manager, at (512) 427-1892 or catherine.galloway@texasbar.com.