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Celebrating St Pat's and contributing to Alpha-1 research at the Celtic Connection
Braintree, MA—St Patrick’s Day came a little early for some New England Alphas, who got together for the Celtic Connection on March 13.
There was Irish Step Dancing by students from the Harney Academy, live music by “Hogan’s Goat” a South Boston Irish band, and of course, an Irish feast of corned beef and cabbage.
But the celebration was about more than just Irish Heritage. It was about family and friends working together to raise money for research to find a cure for Alpha-1.
Sheila Favazza and Liam Lynch spent many hours working on a Silent Auction. They made sure the area looked perfect, and their work paid off. With the help of JoAnne Mellady and Bob Healy, who secured some terrific silent auction items, the auction raised $6,000.
Bob Lender, perhaps the Alpha who traveled the furthest, from Voorhees, NJ, has severely impaired lung function, but he doesn’t let anything get in the way of living life to the fullest. He brought his wife, Pat, and his son, Michael, to the Celtic Connection and placed the winning bid on the silent auction for a week’s vacation in a New Hampshire cottage. He also contributed to other items that were being auctioned off.
“He’s a great family man. He joins in and takes part. With less than 20 percent lung function that’s not easy to do,” said Fred Walsh, Massachusetts AlphaNet Coordinator.
From left, Michael, Pat and Bob Lender
Walsh has dedicated his life to finding a cure for Alpha-1. He has inspired others in his community to take charge and help raise funds for this condition, which effects him, his family and many of his friends.
Bob Healy, a Celtic Connection committee member, was actually responsible for bringing 80 people to the event. “It was like every Healy in New England came out to support him,” Walsh said.
Susan and Tom Binnall orchestrated the event’s 50/50 raffle. Their sons, Tom Jr. and Kevin along with their extended family, worked the room until everyone had purchased a ticket.
Vicki Cameron, AlphaNet Coordinator for Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, brought her family down from Vermont: Vicki’s daughters Traci and Kathleen; Kathleen’s daughter Mykayla, 11; and Traci’s daugher Devinne, 18. Devinne sang the national anthem and did a dance presentation. Traci won the 50/50 raffle, and she and Devinne decided to give back the $900 in honor Vicki and Traci.
In all, 270 people attended the celebration and together raised $11,000 toward research to help find a cure for Alpha-1. The Celtic Connection was sponsored by AlphaNet, American Lung Association of Massachusetts, Centric Health Resources, CSL Behring and Talecris Biotherapeutics.
Celtic Connection committee members were Fred Walsh, chair, Sue Binnall, Sheila Favazza, Bob Healy, Nancy Joyce, Liam Lynch, JoAnne Mellady, Claire Sullivan and Alyce Yout.
