[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 127 (Wednesday, September 19, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S6445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO KRISTEN McGONIGLE

 Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor a 
remarkable citizen, Kristen McGonigle of Concord, NH. On June 9, 2012, 
Kristen saved the life of a fellow runner during a local road race.
  Every June, Portsmouth, NH hosts a 10K road race in conjunction with 
Market Square Day, an annual celebration honoring the renovation of one 
of the historic city's vibrant downtown areas. Kristen was 
participating in the race when she noticed another runner, Steve 
Whitney, showing signs of a significant heart attack.
  As a cardiac care nurse at Concord Hospital with more than 16 years 
of experience, Kristen immediately recognized Steve's symptoms and took 
swift action to save his life. Kristen possessed the skills necessary 
to keep Steve alive until paramedics arrived. In fact, Kristen 
continued to perform chest compressions even after the arrival of 
emergency medical technicians. Her quick action ensured that Steve 
safely reached the qualified health care providers at Portsmouth 
Regional Hospital.
  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart 
disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Sadly, 
nearly every American knows an individual impacted by heart disease, 
and all too many people suffer a catastrophic cardiac event similar to 
the one Steve Whitney experienced.
  Nursing professionals dedicate their working lives to caring for 
those in need, providing the comforts and necessities required for 
their patients to regain strength and recover good health. The frequent 
acts of heroism performed by these men and women often go unnoticed, 
but it is impossible to overvalue the work they perform. The daily 
efforts of nurses for the betterment of others serve as an invaluable 
bridge to care between doctor and patient.
  I applaud and thank Kristen for her devotion to those in need. She 
has spent her career helping others while also caring for her family, 
including her husband Kirk and her two children, Camden and Ally. Her 
exemplary behavior gives her family, her workplace, her community, and 
the State of New Hampshire great pride.
  I wish to thank Kristen McGonigle for her service and her actions on 
June 9, 2012, and commend her kindness, compassion, and dedication to 
her field and her fellow citizens.

                          ____________________