TRIBUTE TO AVAH FISKE

TRIBUTE TO AVAH FISKE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 41 (Wednesday, March 4, 2026) [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. ____________________