[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 102 (Thursday, July 11, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO RHONDA McCABE

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                          HON. JAMES M. TALENT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 11, 1996

  Mr. TALENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with my colleagues a 
story sent to me by one of my constituents which describes an act of 
selflessness that should serve as an example to us all.
  We are all familiar with the parable of the Good Samaritan, but how 
many of us, in this day and time, are blessed with meeting one?
  On October 18, 1994, Rhonda and Ed McCabe had met at the Three Flags 
Center in St. Charles, to take care of some personal business then went 
out to dinner. Upon returning to the parking lot to get their second 
car, out of the corner of her eye Rhonda noticed something moving. It 
was dark and rainy, making it difficult to tell if it was a couple of 
kids fighting, or perhaps a vicious crime happening. She had Ed pull 
the van around to see what was happening and if help was needed. A rain 
soaked man was collapsed on the ground over his briefcase and notebook 
computer, lying face down in a puddle. His legs were thrashing about as 
he appeared to be having convulsions.
  Rhonda and Ed got out of their vehicle to give this man assistance. 
As they turned him over, Rhonda, being a very capable and well 
experienced nurse, recognized the severity of the situation and knew 
exactly what had to be done immediately to save this life. She sent Ed 
to get help and to call 911 from the only business that still had 
lights on, the Norwest Financial Company. John Lopes left his office 
and offered to help in anyway needed. Under Rhonda's calm and concise 
direction Ed and John assisted her in administering CPR. Accustomed to 
depending on God's guidance, she also talked to the Lord, as she 
directed the necessary steps of CPR until after the paramedics arrived. 
In a medical opinion, had no one helped this man when she did he may 
have died or suffered severe impairment. Rhonda's unselfish deed of 
giving help to a stranger in need, was more than using her training and 
nursing experience, it was an expression of service to God. She felt 
she was directed to be there to help save a life.
   Mr. Speaker, I applaud Mrs. McCabe for her act of courage and 
bravery. She truly is a fine example of a modern-day good Samaritan.

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