[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 164 (Tuesday, September 22, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5781-S5782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO KRISTINA FOLCIK

 Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am proud to recognize Kristina 
Folcik of Tamworth as September's Granite Stater of the Month. As a 
survivor of domestic violence, Kristina transformed her own healing 
process into a way to support other survivors by hiking 100 miles 
nonstop across some of New Hampshire's steepest peaks. She was the 
first person to ever finish that portion of the Appalachian Trail in 
one single trek.
  Kristina is an endurance athlete who has held multiple Fastest Known 
Times, which is a title given to individuals who have clocked the 
fastest time on a particular route, including hiking trails. She even 
raced professionally for a while, but stopped when her now-former 
husband started becoming abusive after she would win a race.
  For the last 2 years, Kristina worked with Starting Point, a 
nonprofit organization in New Hampshire that helps survivors of 
domestic and sexual violence, to successfully separate from her abusive 
husband. In an effort to heal from this harrowing and traumatic 
experience, Kristina decided to attempt a 100-mile, nonstop hike.
  In the lead-up to announcing her decision to attempt this 
extraordinary feat, Kristina revealed publicly on social media that she 
had recently divorced from her abusive husband and that she was going 
to complete this 100-mile trek and dedicate it to women who have been 
in abusive relationships.
  Much to her surprise, following her announcement, many women began to 
share their stories of abuse with Kristina, and some even publicly 
shared their experiences.

[[Page S5782]]

  Kristina turned her hike into a fundraiser, asking people to donate 
to the organization that had helped her leave her abusive marriage. It 
was not until Kristina had successfully completed the hike 36 hours 
later that she realized the fundraiser had raised more than $1,000 for 
Starting Point.
  Apart from breaking records, Kristina also owns Rockhopper Races LLC, 
which hosts races in the White Mountains and raises money for 
organizations that maintain and preserve New Hampshire's beautiful 
natural resources.
  Kristina not only achieved an incredible athletic feat, but also made 
a difference in the lives of others by having the courage to speak out 
about her past trauma. Kristina's strength is an inspiration and 
reflects the kind of determination to build strength through outreach 
and mutual support that the Granite State is known for. I am proud to 
recognize her efforts.

                          ____________________