[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 199 (Thursday, December 12, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S7025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO MELISSA MATTHEWS AND BELLE RAE ZACHESKY/COPP

 Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am proud to recognize Melissa 
Matthews and Belle Rae Zachesky/Copp of Raymond as December's Granite 
Staters of the Month for seeking to turn their own grief into positive 
change and mental wellness for their community.
  In the last few months, both Melissa and Belle have lost someone dear 
to them. Melissa lost her husband, Graham, to suicide on September 30, 
2019; and her niece, 8-year-old Belle, lost her father, Jesse, to an 
opioid overdose the next day, on October 1.
  In response to their shared grief and to distract from their sadness 
Melissa and Belle are seeking to raise awareness about the importance 
of mental wellness in their community. Belle and Melissa have started 
promoting wristbands with the slogan ``Lets change the `I' in mental 
illness with `WE' for mental wellness,'' to help spread this important 
message to others.
  The two have also started a Facebook page to try to create an online 
community of support and positivity. The group's name, MW Warriors--MW 
standing for mental wellness--was inspired by the song ``Warrior'' by 
singer Demi Lovato, who has struggled with drug addiction and 
depression.
  Their story is another inspiring example of how people across New 
Hampshire come together during difficult times to support one another. 
This is particularly true as the opioid crisis continues to ravage our 
State, and it is crucial that we continue to be there for the loved 
ones of those whom we have lost.
  Melissa and Belle are trying to do the challenging but important work 
of promoting positive change, all while battling their own loss and 
channeling their energy to help others.
  Thank you, Melissa and Belle, for your strength and courage.

                          ____________________