NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
8 September 2003

GERMAN HEROINE ATTACKED BY PIT BULLS RECEIVES FUNDS DONATED FOR MEDICAL CARE; KAROLINE STALLCUP TO RETURN TO GERMANY WEDNESDAY

Harrisburg, PA—A German citizen who was attacked by three pit bulls in a July 15 incident in Uptown Harrisburg today received a check for $3,500 for any future medical expenses she may incur after her return to Germany, Mayor Stephen R. Reed today announced during a brief check presentation at City Government Center. Donations from area citizens have already covered nearly $4,000 in medical expenses incurred by 29-year old Karoline Stallcup, with the remaining $3,500 in the fund earmarked for any future medical or cosmetic surgery expenses she may incur.

“Hundreds of citizens from across the Greater Harrisburg Region reached into their pockets to help this young woman,” said Mayor Reed, “and each has this city’s appreciation and gratitude. Americans are well known for their generosity, and the overwhelming response to our pleas for help for Ms. Stallcup certainly reinforces that image.”

The Mayor said 275 citizens donated money to the special fund he set up to cover Ms. Stallcup’s medical expenses, raising nearly $8,000. Many of the checks were for amounts in the $10 to $25 range, with dozens more much higher, including several for $100 or more.

Reed said Stallcup was in the 2100 block of N. Fourth Street on July 15 when she saw a pack of three unrestrained pit bulls attacking children playing at the Emerald Street playground. Karoline then diverted the dogs attention from the children to herself and was quickly overwhelmed by the attacking animals, suffering numerous bites and wounds over her entire body.

Stallcup, who is in the United States on a tourist visa, had no funds nor insurance to cover her extensive medical expenses, resulting in the mayor’s establishment of a special fund to cover such. She had also been scheduled to leave the U.S. in late July, but, through the intercession of Congressman Tim Holden, her visa was extended to allow for her continuing medical care. Karoline has now completed all of her follow-up medical treatment and will be returning to Germany this Wednesday, September 10.

“Karoline Stallcup is a heroine in every sense of the word,” said Mayor Reed, “and her actions rightly serve to inspire all citizens. Her bravery and courage most certainly helped to protect children from serious injury, and we are forever indebted to her for her quick and selfless efforts to protect others.” During today’s check presentation program the Mayor also presented Stallcup with the Mayor’s Award for Valor, the city’s highest honor given for lifesaving actions.

Reed said charges have been filed against 44-year old Joanna Palmer and her son, 22-year old Reginald Graham, both of the 2400 block of Logan Street, for their failure to secure the three dogs. Both face multiple counts of dog law violations stemming from the incident, and their preliminary hearing is, ironically, slated for this coming Wednesday, September 10, at District Justice James Pianka’s Office, the same day Karoline is returning to Germany. All three of the attacking dogs have now been destroyed.

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