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By Erik Arvidson
Eagle Statehouse Bureau
BOSTON -- In the 2 1/2 years since that cold December night
when their son died at a hockey practice, Ann and Stephen
Connally of Cheshire have focused their efforts on creating
a legacy in Quinn Connally's name.
The Connallys donated Quinn's organs to provide life-saving
transplants for seven people who are now leading healthy
lives, and they also are spearheading an effort to build
a sports complex in Pittsfield to improve the lives of youths
in the community.
Ann and Stephen Connally, along with daughter Tessa, were
honored yesterday at the Statehouse by the Boston Celtics
as "Heroes Among Us," examples of people who have
made "exceptional and lasting contributions" to
their communities in a way that inspires others.
More than 50 of the everyday heroes, ranging from Navy crewmen
to community activists to health care workers, were recognized
by the team, along with elected officials and representatives
from The Boston Globe and Fox Sports New England.
"It's a wonderful thing. We're in great company and
we're very proud to be here," Ann Connally said.
Quinn Connally died at the age of 12 at a hockey practice
after being struck by a puck in the back of the neck, a small
area that was unprotected by pads.
Shortly before he died, the Connallys made the difficult
decision to donate Quinn's organs -- including his heart,
liver, pancreas and a kidney -- to people whose survival
depended on an organ transplant.
They have also created a foundation, called the Quinn's
Legacy Foundation, to raise money and pursue the construction
of an $8 million, 3,000-seat ice hockey sports complex near
the Bousquet Ski Resort.
The Connallys hope that the arena can be a place where youth
can pursue their goals of achieving academic and athletic
excellence.
Ann Connally acknowledged that the fund raising has not
been easy, though the foundation has received strong support.
"We're currently seeking to finish up negotiations
on our financial package. We will be borrowing the $8 million
to construct the facility. Then we will be out there actively
fund raising just to pay off that debt," Ann Connally
said. "We've been in a fund-raising mode all along,
but afterwards when we have financial commitments to meet,
we're going to have to do it so much more aggressively."
She said they hoped to be able to make an announcement soon
regarding a groundbreaking, but that there was still work
to be done first.
Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey said the award, which recognized people
who have performed acts of courage, or who overcame obstacles,
or who have improved the lives of others, showed that "service
to one's neighbors and one's community comes in many forms."
"These individuals come from all walks of life, but
one common thread behind each of their stories is their service
to others," Healey said. "They have each enriched
the life of another through their selfless actions."
Celtics forward Walter McCarty said each of the award recipients
were "truly my heroes."
"A lot of times, kids come to the game and they are
amazed at what we do, how tall we are, how fast we run, how
high we can jump," McCarty said. "A lot of those
things are great, but none of them compare to what you guys
do for this community, to make this community a better place
to live."
Among the other award recipients were John and Magi Bish,
the parents of Molly Bish, a Warren lifeguard who disappeared
for three years and whose body was recently found. The Bishes
have started a foundation to raise awareness about child
safety.
U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., had the names of all
of the award recipients entered into the Congressional Record
in the Library of Congress.
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