[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 159 (Tuesday, December 11, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1899-E1900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TO RECOGNIZE THE 2012 LIFECIRCLE ALLIANCE KUDOS FOR CAREGIVERS HONOREES

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 11, 2012

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
winners of the 2012 LifeCircle Alliances Kudos for Community Caregivers 
Awards. LifeCircle Alliances, a non-profit organization based in 
Fairfax County, Virginia, is a leader in promoting and enabling 
independent living for older adults with developmental, intellectual, 
or physical disabilities, including our Wounded Warriors.
   LifeCircle Alliances has formed public-private partnerships to 
create innovative long-term care solutions, enhance existing programs, 
and address workforce, mobility and transportation issues. The goal of 
these efforts is independence for life; ensuring that our older adults 
and adults with disabilities are able to live independently and with 
dignity in their communities of choice.
   The LifeCircle Alliances Kudos for Community Caregivers Award 
celebration recognizes the efforts of six outstanding caregivers, who 
tirelessly provide dedicated care, day in and day out. The recipients 
of the 2012 Kudos Awards are:
   Stephanie Mensh--Stephanie Mensh has been a caregiver for Mr. Paul 
Berger for 25 years. Additionally, she has volunteered her time 
supporting stroke and TBI survivors and their families. She also 
provides support and advice to other caregivers by hosting a support 
group as well as providing individual support by phone, email, and in 
person.
   Liza Ruiz--The loving mother of two daughters, Mrs. Ruiz has been 
caring almost daily for her 65 year old daughter, Cynthia, who was 
brain injured at birth and her husband who has been diagnosed with 
dementia. For many years, she did this while working as a full-time 
employee of the federal government. Mrs. Ruiz was instrumental in 
helping to establish the Northern Virginia Training Center, which 
opened in 1973.

[[Page E1900]]

   Maureen Renault--A dedicated and tireless caregiver, Maureen Renault 
has taken on the daunting task of caring for her mother, a resident at 
Herndon Harbor Adult Day Health Care Center. During this time Maureen 
has been actively involved in her mother's care at the center in 
addition to her needs at home.
   Steven Nehl-Care-giving is an around the clock job for Mr. Nehl. He 
cares for his autistic son, Michael, and wife, Joanne, who is 
continuing to recover from two brain aneurysms. Since the time of her 
illness in 2008, Joanne is unable to work and Mr. Nehl may only 
maintain short-term positions due to the tremendous requirements of his 
time at home.
   Cecilia Ortega-Shew--For almost two decades, Cecilia Ortega-Shew has 
given selflessly to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. In her role as a 
mental health clinician and program clinical manager for Inova Juniper 
Group, she helps pregnant women have healthy, HIV-free babies and 
continues to counsel people on the difficulties of living with HIV. She 
inspires young staff to be better clinicians and instills in them a 
passion for caring for those with HIV.
   Natascha Dixon Edelin--Passionate and dedicated to helping women and 
children in need, Natascha Dixon Edelin tirelessly works to assist the 
battered women of Fairfax, Virginia and honor them for their strength, 
courage and commitment. She partnered with the co-founders of the Duffy 
House in 2011 to organize the ``Duffy House Day of Pampering'' for 
victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse which provided, at no 
charge, a much needed day of respite for approximately 50 women and 80 
children. Her continued work with the Duffy House brings joy into this 
special community.
   I congratulate this year's winners and recognize each of them for 
their dedication and personal sacrifices. These individuals are 
examples of the many caregivers who put the needs of their families, 
friends and colleagues above their own. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my 
colleagues join me in paying tribute to the 2012 LifeCircle Alliances 
awardees and in thanking the volunteers, staff, and partners of 
LifeCircle Alliances for their efforts in providing assistance to not 
only those in need of care, but to those who provide the care here in 
our community.

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