[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 4, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO AVAH FISKE

 Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize Avah 
Fiske of Loudon as February's Granite Stater of the Month. Since her 
brother Ryan died by suicide, Avah has advocated for mental health 
awareness and made New Hampshire a better and safer place.
  Avah's older brother Ryan died by suicide in 2020 at age 12, when 
Avah was just 6 years old. Avah's entire family was stunned by the 
tragedy, especially because they had never heard Ryan talk about his 
struggles. But Avah has turned this pain into purpose--or, as her mom 
puts it, she has risen like a phoenix from the ashes--and she has 
dedicated herself to helping people talk about their feelings in order 
to prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families.
  Avah wrote and recorded four public service announcements for her 
local radio station, encouraging people to reach out to youth mental 
health resources and the 988 National Suicide Crisis Lifeline. She also 
walked in the annual Out of Darkness Walk hosted by the American 
Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and she regularly presents 
information on youth mental health and the 988 lifeline at health fairs 
and community events.
  Avah's work is not done, and she is committed to continuing to 
educate Granite State families about mental health resources. Avah even 
plans to one day start her own organization to build awareness around 
mental health. In the meantime, she plans to record more PSAs and keep 
spreading the word.
  Avah's determination to carry on her brother's memory and use her 
loss to help other families is a beautiful example of the Granite State 
spirit of community. Her compassion, even at such a young age, is why I 
am honored to name her February's Granite Stater of the Month.

                          ____________________