RSS Feed
Facebook Fan Page >>
Twitter
Facebook Fan Page >>
Twitter
YouTube >>
Google+ >>
Instagram
Pinterest
Celtics.com's Video
YouTube >>
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 March 2002 Heroes Among Us:
 Tony Richards (pictured with Antoine Walker and Ervin Johnson) |
Tony Richards
Eleven years ago, Tony decided the best way he could help kids in his hometown of Dorchester was by creating a pee-wee basketball league. From a modest beginning, that league has now grown to serve over 350 kids, but it teaches them more than how to shoot a ball. Known as the “No Books, No Ball” league, Tony and his volunteer staff require all participants to submit academic progress reports, and they have set up a study hall to help the league’s players keep up their grades. They also bring in community leaders to speak to the kids about life-lessons. Tony’s dedication has taken school, athletics, family and community, and tied them all together for many of Dorchester’s youth.
 Alexandra Oliver-Davila (pictured with Antoine Walker and Michael Finley) |
Alexandra Oliver-Davila
Alexandra has been a leader in Boston’s Latino community for years. She has provided training to non-profit organizations, and coordinated a youth internship program that places teens in learning positions with local businesses. Two years ago, Alexandra was named the executive director of Sociedad Latina, one of Boston’s most respected Latino agencies. There, she has implemented a variety of programs, such as the creation of a computer center; HIV and tobacco prevention; and a host of after-school activities geared to keep kids off the streets. Alexandra is committed to helping Latino youth discover the positives within themselves and their communities. For her dedication, she has been recognized by Mayor Tom Menino.
 Peter Badavas, Chris Norwood & Mark Norwood (pictured with Antoine Walker and Chris Mills) |
Peter Badavas, Chris Norwood & Mark Norwood (pictured with Antoine Walker and Chris Mills)
Just seven months ago, Chris, who has cystic fibrosis, was given a 20% chance of living. In the hospital awaiting a double-lung donation, he developed numerous complications that left him unable to receive a traditional transplant. There was only one hope left -- a very rare and complex living donor transplant. After finding that they were a match for Chris, his brother Mark and best friend, Peter, each donated parts of their lungs in a lifesaving operation. Thanks to this gift of life, Chris left the hospital just eight weeks later, and is on the road to recovery.
 Professor Charles Ogletree (pictured with Antoine Walker and Eric Snow) |
Professor Charles Ogletree
As one of the foremost authorities on civil rights in the United States, Professor Ogletree has dedicated his entire professional life to ensuring fair and equal treatment of all Americans. A former public defender, he is the youngest recipient ever of the prestigious Medallion of Merit for his work promoting social justice and equality. For his tireless efforts in the field of civil rights, he has been named one of the 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America.
 Tony Lalicata (pictured with Antoine Walker and Damon Stoudamire) |
Tony Lalicata
Over 30 years ago, Tony, a teacher at Ottoson Middle School, came up with an innovative fundraising idea. He began the Ottoson Olympiad, where students and teachers compete with each other in athletic events and raise money for a local charity. This year, they raised almost $19,000 for the Liver Foundation and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the most ever in a single year. To date, the Olympiad has raised over $150,000! After 36 years, Tony will retire from teaching this June.
 Jennifer and Stuart Siedman (pictured with Antoine Walker and Jason Kidd) |
Jennifer and Stuart Siedman
When Jennifer and Stuart’s youngest son Ben was born, he was diagnosed with a rare and fatal disease called Sanfillipo Syndrome. Although there is no treatment or cure, Jen and Stuart are doing all they can to help find one -- not just for Ben, but for every child afflicted with this disease. In celebration of Ben’s 5th birthday, they formed Ben’s Dream, a foundation to promote awareness and raise funds for Sanfillipo research. In just three years, they have raised over $300,000 for their cause. “We can’t stop hoping,” says Jennifer. “If we stop hoping, we might as well stop being.”
 Catherine D’Amato (pictured with Antoine Walker and Popeye Jones) |
Catherine D'Amato
For a quarter of a century, Catherine has devoted her life to one cause: fighting hunger - a problem that affects over 23 million Americans of all races and ages. As CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank, she heads up New England's largest hunger relief organization, which distributes food to nearly 60,000 people in Massachusetts every week. That's three times the capacity of the FleetCenter! Thanks to the work of Catherine and The Food Bank, over 18 million pounds of food are distributed to the needy every year.
 Doreen Morrison and Jennifer Dallaire (L to R, pictured with Paul Pierce and Michael Curry) |
Doreen Morrison and Jennifer Dallaire
After Jennifer and Doreen lost their young daughters to congenital heart disease, they turned their immeasurable loss into hope for others. In honor of their daughters’ spirit and courage, the women began the Heart to Heart Fund in 1999. The all-volunteer group has helped over 200 families living with pediatric heart disease. They provide various types of assistance, including a care package of essential items - but it is the emotional support that means the most to the families. Both consider their work a living memorial to their daughters.
 Matthew Gilman (pictured with Antoine Walker and Tracy McGrady) |
Matthew Gilman
Matthew, a senior at Framingham High School, has been overcoming obstacles throughout his life. Born with a bone disorder, doctors said he would never be able to run. He has endured 18 operations, including one that left him in a body cast for 3 months. But Matthew has proved the doctors wrong – he took up tennis at age 7, and has become the captain of the varsity team. Matthew also finds time to mentor and tutor students, and also volunteers as a tennis teacher to special needs children. Matthew was recently chosen to carry the Olympic torch on its way to Salt Lake City!
 Terri Sarno and Dario Espino (pictured with Antoine Walker and David Wesley) |
Terri Sarno and Dario Espino
Just two weeks ago, a mother and her 18-month old daughter were waiting at the drive-up window of a CVS pharmacy when the toddler had a seizure and stopped breathing. The mother opened the window and screamed for help! Terri and Dario, working as technicians in the pharmacy, quickly reacted to save the child. They both jumped out the drive-up window, and found the child shaking and turning blue. They immediately began CPR, and after five attempts, were able to resuscitate her. Thanks to their efforts, the little girl fully recovered.
