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Celtics Recognize the "Heroes Among Us"
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.
2001-02 HEROES:
2000-01 HEROES:
Here are the December 2001 Heroes Among Us:
 Brian McLaughlin, Jr. (pictured with Antoine Walker and John Stockton) |
Brian McLaughlin
Brian, a sophomore at Boston College, is a star student-athlete. What makes Brian extraordinary, however, is that he has cerebral palsy, and has never had use of his legs. This has never stopped Brian, who started swimming for exercise as a youngster, and as a freshman earned his varsity letter as a member of the Boston College swim team. For the past six years, Brian has been committed to making the public aware of those with disabilities, and travels to schools to speak to students about his life in a wheelchair. Among his many honors, Brian just received the Exceptional Young Leader of the Year Award, given by Franciscan Hospital.
 Rachael Levy (pictured with Antoine Walker and Grant Long) |
Rachel Levy
Rachael is only a 9th grader, but she took matters into her own hands to help those affected by the September 11th tragedies. She heard on the news that the Children’s Hope Foundation, which distributes toys to children living with HIV/AIDS in New York City, could not receive gifts this year because their office had been destroyed. Rachael called all of the schools in Wayland and organized a town-wide toy drive, and even dipped into her personal savings to create thousands of flyers to promote it. The drive was an overwhelming success, and delivered over 1500 toys to sick children in New York!
 Bridget Shaheen (pictured with Antoine Walker and Bimbo Coles) |
Bridget Shaheen
Seeking to provide emergency services for the hungry and homeless of Lawrence, MA, Bridget opened the Lazarus House Ministries in 1983. Beginning with four beds and an all-volunteer staff, the House has grown to include 37 full-time employees, a soup kitchen that feeds up to 300 a day, clothing stores, child learning centers, medical clinics and various work training programs. Bridget’s goal is to not only feed the hungry, but to also inspire them to make a difference in their own lives.
 Paul Flaherty (pictured Antoine Walker and Charles Oakley) |
Paul Flaherty
While returning home from work as a Boston firefighter, Paul saw in the distance smoke billowing from two townhouses, which were engulfed in flames. Arriving on the scene, Paul ran to the neighbors and asked if there was anyone still in the home. When they responded “yes”, Paul kicked in the door and rushed inside the smoke-filled home. There he found two elderly sisters who had become disoriented in the smoke. Paul rescued both of the women, even carrying one who didn’t think she would make it on her own. Thanks to Paul, both sisters recovered fully!
 Ralph True, Jim Stevens, Darin Conley, Dennis and Matthew Sherlock (pictured with Antoine Walker and Stephon Marbury) |
Ralph True, Jim Stevens, Darin Conley, Dennis and Matthew Sherlock
In early November, building contractors Ralph and Darin were working on a house in Uxbridge, and neighbor Jim had just arrived home when they heard frantic screams coming from the front yard. There they found 3-year old Matthew Sherlock trapped in the jaws of two 100-pound rottweilers, as his terrified mother tried in vain to set him free.
Ralph struck the dogs with his hammer until they released Matthew. As the dogs turned on the men, Jim grabbed the 3-year old and held him out of reach, while Ralph and Darin chased the animals out of the yard. Thanks to the efforts of these men, Matthew is recovering from his injuries, and was there to welcome his heroes!
 Lynn Donohue (pictured with Antoine Walker and Avery Johnson) |
Lynn Donohue
At the age of 19, Lynn was a junior-high school dropout in a dead end job. Desperate to turn her life around, she answered an ad and trained as a bricklayer. Her talent and perseverance paid off when just six years later, Lynn founded her own multi-million dollar construction business.
Motivated by her desire to help those struggling to find a career, Lynn started the Brick by Brick Foundation. Through a variety of programs, she now works with youth from similar backgrounds, teaching them about business, setting goals and self-respect.
