Celtics Recognize "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.

2002-03 HEROES: December Nov./Oct.

2001-02 HEROES: May April March February January December October/November

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

Here are the January 2003 Heroes Among Us:

David Gonthier (pictured with Paul Pierce and Darrell Armstrong

Jan. 26, 2003
David Gonthier
During snacktime in their fourth grade class, David’s classmate Ryan began to choke. When Ryan grabbed his throat, ten-year old David immediately recognized the signal as a sign that Ryan was in trouble. David, who had just learned the Heimlich maneuver in a Red Cross class, jumped into action. David began performing the Heimlich maneuver on Ryan, eventually dislodging the object from Ryan’s throat. For his quick-thinking actions, David has been nominated by the Red Cross for its national award.

Jerry Smith (pictured with Paul Pierce and Ryan Bowen)

Jan. 24, 2003
Jerry Smith
When Jerry was born, doctors told his parents that he would never speak. Jerry has worked his whole life to prove those doctors wrong. Now 46 years old and a longtime Special Olympics athlete, Jerry travels throughout the state speaking to groups about the benefits of Special Olympics. Now an accomplished speaker, Jerry sings as well. He has performed the National Anthem at the Special Olympics Summer Games, in front of military personnel, and at other special events. January 24 marked his fourth straight year of performing at the FleetCenter.

Jonathan Adams (pictured with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen)

Jan. 22, 2003
Jonathan Adams
After working with disabled youth who had difficulty speaking and moving, Jon longed to give them a way to sing and make music. In 1993, Jon, a Berklee College of Music grad, wrote computer software that allows students to play 128 instruments by taking advantage of any movement they can best control. The group, known as the Headbangers, uses their heads, hands and feet to play music from classical to rock, with Jon cueing each performer for their part. Thanks to Jon, disabled students can now express themselves with a voice they never had.

David Gordenstein (pictured with Antoine Walker and Reggie Miller

Jan. 17, 2003
David Gordenstein
In the tragedy of September 11th, David lost his wife, Lisa. In the months that followed, David decided that helping others was a way to deal with his grief. With the holidays approaching, David dedicated himself to gathering toys for underprivileged children in the US Marine Corps’s Toys for Tots program. As owner of Zeff Photo Supply in Belmont, he offered a free photo with Santa to toy donors, and was responsible for collecting an amazing 25,000 toys. This year, David continued to build on his success with Toys for Tots, and is committed to making this an annual event.

Lisa Scherber (pictured with Antoine Walker and Shareef Abdur-Rahim)

Jan. 15, 2003
Lisa Scherber
Every day, hundreds of children receive cancer treatment at the Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic. Though their treatment often lasts for an entire day, Lisa, the clinic’s patient activities coordinator, is dedicated to providing a normal atmosphere for the kids to be kids. In addition to supporting the children daily, she plans parties, trips and family retreats that allow families to spend quality time together. Her care and compassion is what helps many families get through their toughest days. Lisa is proud to accept this award on behalf of her young patients who exhibit endless amounts of hope and courage every day.

Ethan Zohn (pictured with Antoine Walker and Charles Oakley)

Jan. 6, 2003
Ethan Zohn
Best-known as the winner of the TV reality show, Survivor: Africa, Ethan, a professional soccer player from Lexington, is now using his fame and fortune in the fight against AIDS. Ethan serves as Vice Chairman of Grassroot Soccer, which trains pro players to educate youth about the dangers of HIV and the most effective ways to prevent the spread of AIDS in Africa, where 76% of all cases are found. He is working tirelessly traveling around the country to raise awareness about AIDS, and to promote the work of Grassroot Soccer.

Dira Barbosa (pictured with Antoine Walker and Scottie Pippen)

Jan. 3, 2003
Dira Barbosa
As a freshman in high school, Dira was shocked to find how little her peers knew about their own health, particularly about HIV and AIDS. At that point, Dira committed herself to volunteering countless hours at health and community centers to care for HIV patients and to educate her peers about their own sexual health. For her outstanding efforts in AIDS education, Dira was awarded the first Lisa Lopes (Lopez) AIDS Scholarship by MTV. Now a senior, she plans to use the $25,000 to pursue her law degree to help those living with HIV and AIDS.