[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1076-E1077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING PA-1'S HOMETOWN HERO KATHLEEN TRAPENASSO

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 25, 2024

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
extraordinary individual from Pennsylvania's First Congressional 
District--someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in 
service to both our community and our country. It is with great respect 
and admiration that I recognize Kathleen Trapenasso, one of our 
district's distinguished Hometown Heroes.
  Hometown Heroes are not defined by titles or accolades but by the 
quiet power of their actions. They are distinguished by their 
unwavering integrity, the strength of their character, and their 
steadfast commitment to the people and places they serve. They are the 
foundation upon which our communities stand--the ones who lift others 
up, inspire hope, and, in doing so, call us all to higher standards of 
service and compassion. Kathleen has embodied this spirit in ways that 
words can scarcely capture.
  In her actions to raise awareness and funds to defeat ALS (Lou 
Gehrig's disease) Kathleen has not only served our community, but also 
transformed the lives of those around her. Kathleen unbelievably lost 
her husband, son, and two daughters to ALS in the span of lust 30 
months. Yet despite her heartbreaking personal losses, Kathleen has 
chosen to use her formidable strength to champion the cause of ALS 
research. She has worked to spread awareness and raise funds to defeat 
ALS through her team, Pat's Posse, named in memory of her husband and 
son who shared the name. It is constituents like Kathleen that 
strengthen the fabric of our district and prove that when driven by 
purpose, compassion, and a resolute sense of duty, one individual can 
leave a lasting and profound impact on an entire community.
  In times of uncertainty, it is the work of individuals like Kathleen 
that reminds us of the strength of the human spirit. Her service, given 
without expectation of recognition, stands as a testament to the belief 
that one individual's dedication can ripple through the lives of many, 
sparking change, fostering resilience and inspiring hope. Today, we 
honor Kathleen not just for her remarkable deeds but for who she is--a 
true hero in every sense of the word.
  On behalf of Pennsylvania's First Congressional District, I extend my 
deepest gratitude to Kathleen for her extraordinary service. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in honoring this exceptional individual, whose 
leadership and spirit of service will inspire generations to come. May 
her example remind us of the boundless potential within each of us to 
make our communities, country, and world a better place.

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