Celtics Recognize the "Heroes Among Us" - May 2003

New England is home to many individuals who have made an overwhelming impact on our community, positively affecting the lives of others. For the fourth season, the Boston Celtics will recognize an individual or individuals at each home game who have made a special contribution.

2002-03 Heroes: April March February December Nov./Oct.

2001-02 Heroes: May April March February January December Nov./Oct.

2000-01 Heroes: April March February January December November October

Here are the May 2003 Heroes Among Us:

Lieutenant Commander Bill Timmons (pictured with Antoine Walker)

May 1, 2003
Lieutenant Commander Bill Timmons
Lt. Commander Timmons has been in the U.S. Coast Guard Aviation for nine and a half years and has been responsible for rescuing and saving over 50 lives. His missions typically occur in less than ideal weather conditions, usually when civilian medical services cannot fly.

The American Red Cross recently honored Bill with their prestigious "Hero of Cape Cod" award for saving a newborn's life.

Lou Bianchi (pictured with Antoine Walker)

May 9, 2003
Lou Bianchi
Last September, Lou retired from the Horace Mann School for the Deaf after teaching and coaching basketball there for 37 years. He has been referred to as "the single biggest advocate for the deaf and hearing impaired in the city of Boston." Lou was instrumental in getting closed captioning for the deaf on television in Boston. He has also won the prestigious Silver Beaver Award, the Boys Scouts of America's highest honor, and WCVB Channel 5's "Good Sport Award."

Tessa, Ann & Stephen Connally (pictured with Antoine Walker)

May 12, 2003
Tessa, Ann & Stephen Connally
In December of 2000, Ann and Stephen's 12-year old son, Quinn, was fatally struck in the back of the neck with a hockey puck during a typical practice drill on his youth hockey team. Faced with the most difficult decision of their lives, the Connally's decided to donate their son's organs. As a result, seven different individuals from across the country that were awaiting life-saving transplants are now leading full lives.

The family knew Quinn's life could inspire others for years to come. Soon after, Quinn's Legacy Foundation was formed to build an $8 million dollar sports complex his name.