Soccer players of all abilities and skill levels are invited to participate in 2nd Annual “Kick ur ALS”, a one-day soccer tournament on Saturday, April 28th at the Boston Athletic Club, 653 Summer Street in Boston.
The tournament will begin at 9 a.m. and will benefit The Angel Fund.
A total of 16 teams are expected to participate in the double elimination tournament.
Each team will be comprised of 10 players and will be required to raise a total of $1,000, or $100 per player, to participate. Teams can register at www.theangelfund.org.
Teams can raise money from family, friends and co-workers, and all donations can be sent to The Angel Fund, 649 Main Street, Wakefield, MA 01880. Donations can also be made online at firstgiving.com/angelfund.
Sponsorships are also available online at www.theangelfund.org/kickurals
For information about “Kick ur ALS”, or to learn more about The Angel Fund, call 781-245-7070 or visit the website www.theangelfund.org

When a parent or close relative of a young child is diagnosed with ALS, it can be devastating. The diagnosis not only affects the patient living with ALS, it also affects the children in the family.
ALS knows no boundaries. Its affliction to the patient is a death sentence – he or she may live three to five years after the diagnosis – maybe less. Patients turn to researchers to find the cure, while family and friends join together to support one another by raising funds. But, a child often sits on the outside looking in – not knowing how to help or how express themselves during this stressful time.

The Angel Fund, an independent nonprofit charity has created a project for children called Helping Our Parents Erase ALS – H.O.P.E. for ALS. The project is the brainchild of local artist Lainey Hunter and Ann Hadley, The Angel Fund Chief Development Officer.

H.O.P.E. for ALS enables these children to express themselves on paintings they create on glass. Lainey instructs the children on the art of reverse painting on glass, and the result is beautiful pieces of art that express the child’s love for their relative living with ALS or in memory of someone has lost his or her battle with this disease. These original windows are an important part of the silent auction each year at The Angel Fund Annual Gala.

The children can feel proud of their work and, at the same time, achieve a sense of accomplishment knowing that they have helped raise much-needed funds that will be going to find a cure for the disease.

In past years, The Angel Fund has created note cards and prints from the reverse paintings created by the children. Former Red Sox Mike Timlin joined in the fun three years ago and created his own ‘masterpiece’ as did his and his two children.

An ALS patient lives day to day with the hope that a cure will be found. Creating awareness for the disease is important… we need to continue making people aware that we must work together to find a cure for this horrific disease.

This year marks the sixth year for the H.O.P.E. for ALS project. We would welcome the opportunity to showcase this project and to show that in the times of darkness, there is light, and that children can play a part in creating hope for their loved ones.

If you would like to feature this project, please call The Angel Fund at 781-245-7070 or send an email us theangelfundals@aol.com

A few paintings:

Dear Angel Fund Family,
As the year comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support for The Angel Fund. As an Angel Fund family member, you have been an inspiration to me and to the Angel Fund Board.

To those who have organized events for The Angel Fund and put in tireless hours of planning, we are truly indebted to you. To those who have attended our many events throughout the year, we thank you for taking the time to show your support, and to those who send in contributions, large or small, it means so much to us. Without all of you, we would not have been able to give Dr. Brown and his research team over $1,000,000 in the past two years.

Those living with ALS and those who have passed are our true heroes. These are the people we are fighting for.

There have been significant strides in ALS research, but we are not there yet. I ask for your support again next year so we can continue our fight against this dreadful disease. Our mission continues and you can help us unlock the key to this disease – the cure for ALS.

From our family to yours, have a wonderful holiday.

Warm regards,
Rich Kennedy
President

(Wakefield, MA) – The 11^th Annual Gala and Silent Auction to benefit The Angel Fund will be held at the University of Massachusetts Club in Boston on Saturday evening, October 15^th beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Angel Fund, an independent nonprofit organization, benefits ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) research at the Cecil B. Day Laboratory for Neuromuscular Research at UMass Medical Center in Worcester, MA.

The event will honor individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to The Angel Fund. and presentation of the Unsung Hero awards.

The event will include a silent auction, a buffet dinner, informal speeches, and remarks from Dr. Robert H. Brown, Jr. of the Cecil B. Day Laboratory for Neuromuscular Research, Richard Kennedy, President of The Angel Fund and Angel Fund Honorary Chairman Lou Merloni, former Red Sox and WEEI radio personality.

Proceeds from the event will be used to fund research at the Cecil B. Day Laboratory, run by Dr. Brown. More commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS is a progressive, always fatal neuromuscular disease.

“This has been an extraordinary year and we have made significant breakthroughs in research toward find a cure for ALS,” President Rich Kennedy said. “The gala is an opportunity to recognize those who lend a helping hand as we work to find a cure for ALS.”

The cost of the gala at the University of Massachusetts Club is $125 per person and includes the buffet dinner which begins at 7:30 p.m. The venue is located at 225 Franklin Street, Suite 33 in Boston.

This year’s annual gala corporate sponsors include: Carey and Company, P.C., Millennium Power Partners, the  Law Offices of Nigro, Pettepit and Lucas, UMass Medical and Lucia Lighting and Design,

Corporate sponsorships are available $5,000 (Gold Sponsorship), $2500 (Silver Sponsorship) and $1000 (Bronze Sponsorship). In addition to tickets to the gala and recognition for all sponsors, Gold level sponsors will receive a private tour of the Cecil B. Day Laboratory at the UMass Medical Center for 10 people with Dr. Brown at a future date.

Advance reservations are required and tickets must be purchased in advance. For information about the gala or a corporate sponsorship, contact Ann Hadley at (781) 245-7070, or log-on to the organization’s website at www.theangelfund.org. Reservations must be made by Tuesday, October 11, 2011 and tickets can be purchased on the website, www.theangelfund.org.

(Cambridge, MA) –The 14^th Annual Jimmie Neil Memorial Raffle and Softball Game to benefit The Angel Fund will be held on Friday, September 9th, 2011 at St. Peter’s Field on Sherman Street in North Cambridge, Massachusetts from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The North Cambridge Little League coaches will take the mound against the East Cambridge Little League coaches in this annual event for The Angel Fund, an independent nonprofit charity benefiting ALS research at the Cecil B. Day Laboratory for Neuromuscular Research at UMass Medical Center. Proceeds from the event and the raffle at the game will benefit ALS research through The Angel Fund. Jimmie Neil died from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a disease better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease in August 1997.

The father of two sons, Mike, and Chris and the husband of Maureen,  Jimmie was diagnosed with ALS in 1994. During his illness, he was active in the lives of his sons, who were only 9 and 11 at the time of his diagnosis. The family has hosted the benefit raffle and softball game since 1998 to keep Jimmie Neil alive in the hearts and minds of all the people knew him as a man who was always laughing and pleasant, who would help everyone, and never said a bad word about anyone.

Admission to the softball game is free and all are welcome to attend. Money will be raised through the raffles and a concession stand. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the game for $3 books of raffle tickets can be purchased for $5 per book. Raffle tickets can also be purchased in advance by calling (617) 491-8607.

Among the items that have already been donated to the raffle are Red Sox tickets and various gift certificates. Anyone who would like to donate a raffle item can contact Maureen at  (617) 491-8607.

Information about the 14^th Annual Jimmie Neil Raffle and Softball Game can be obtained by calling Maureen Neil at (617) 491-8607or The Angel Fund (781) 245-7070.

(Wakefield, MA) – The 10th annual Walk of Hope for ALS, a 3.5-mile walk around Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield to benefit The Angel Fund, will be held on Saturday, September 10th 2011 with a rain date of Sunday, September 11th. The event begins with registration at 9 a.m. followed by the start of the walk at 11 a.m.
The Angel Fund is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) research at the Cecil B. Day Laboratory for Neuromuscular Research at UMass Medical Center in Worcester. ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive, always fatal neuromuscular disease which leads to muscle weakness and as it progresses, results in total paralysis and the inability to speak and swallow while the mind and senses remain intact.
Walkers of all abilities are encouraged to participate as individuals or as a team. To register as a walker or to register a team, please call The Angel Fund at 781-245-7070, or log-on to the organization’s website at www.theangelfund.org .
Donations to the Angel Fund can also be made online, or can be sent to The Angel Fund, 649 Main Street, Wakefield, MA 01880. All donations should be made payable to The Angel Fund. To assist its walkers, The Angel Fund has joined FirstGiving.com which enables them to create their own webpage to raise money online. Registered walkers can create their page at www.firstgiving.com/angelfund.
In addition to the walk around Lake Quannapowitt, the event includes children’s activities and refreshments for all walkers.
There are several levels of corporate sponsorship for the Walk of Hope for ALS. Several local businesses and groups have already pledged their support as sponsors of the Walk, including Major Sponsors the Law Office of Nigro, Pettepit and Lucas, The J Group benefiting ALS research and Worcester Magazine.
Information about sponsorship opportunities can also be obtained on the website, www.theangelfund.org, or by calling 781-245-7070.
The Angel Fund conducts other fund raising events throughout the year which, along with individual and corporate donations, have been beneficial in helping make significant strides in ALS research. For a list of upcoming events, visit The Angel Fund website, www.theangelfund.org.

(Hopkinton, MA)- The 8th Annual Sharon Timlin Memorial 5K Road Race to Cure ALS, sponsored by the Hopkinton Running Club will be held on Saturday, June 18th, 2011 at Hopkinton High School. Proceeds from the road race and family fun day will benefit The Angel Fund and its research at the Cecil B. Day Laboratory for Neuromuscular Research at UMass Medical Center.
The race and family fun day is in memory of Sharon Timlin, mother of former Red Sox relief pitcher Mike Timlin, who was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis,) a disease better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, in May 2001. She died less than a year later, in March 2002. The event also recognizes and honors the Timlin family’s commitment to ALS research and The Angel Fund. Mike and his wife Dawn will travel back to Massachusetts where they will be guests of honor at the event.
The race begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. and is a 5K USATF–certified course with timed mile marks and professional chip timing provided by Finish Line Sports Management. Runners who registered by May 20th will receive a t-shirt, and awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers. The top three finishers in the following age groups will also receive awards: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-plus, and wheelchair division.
The entry fee is $25 and all registrations must be received by June 14th. The race is strictly limited to 1,800 participants and registration will close when that number is reached, or on June 15th. There will be no race day registration for the 5K. Runners and walkers can register on line at www.sharontimlinrace.org.
In addition, children eight to ten years of age can participate in a one-mile kids’ run. The $15.00 entry fee for the children’s race will include a T-shirt. Kid’s one-mile race registration is on line at www.sharontimlinrace.org or on site before 9:15 a.m., if space is available, as the event is limited to 200 runners. The children’s one-mile race begins at 9:45 a.m.
In addition, there will be a Kids’ Mini-Marathon for children ages two to seven with age-appropriate distances on the high-school track. The $10 entry fee includes a special t-shirt. Register online, by mail or on race day.
The Mini-Marathon includes:
Children ages 2 to 5: 200 meters (half-lap)
Children age 6: 400 meters (one lap)
Children age 7: 800 meters (two laps)
Family Fun Day activities will be from 9 a.m. until 12 noon and will feature fun for all ages, raffles, prizes, post race refreshments and entertainment.
Race organizers recommend that participants allow for extra time due to the anticipated heavy traffic volume. Due to limited parking, carpooling is encouraged.
All events will be held rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, the family fun day activities will be held indoors.
Mike Timlin and his wife Dawn have been strong supporters of The Angel Fund since joining the Red Sox in 2003. During Mike’s tenure with the Red Sox, the couple donated $500 for each regular season appearance Mike made on the mound for the Red Sox. In addition, Dawn has run in the Boston Marathon for The Angel Fund in the past, and Mike has made several appearances on behalf of The Angel Fund as a member of the Red Sox.
According to race organizer Abbie Rosenberg and members of the Hopkinton Running Club, several companies and individuals have already signed on as sponsors, including The Boston Red Sox Foundation, Hopkinton Athletic Association, Good Gear, PR Running, Roche Bros. and UMass Medical Center.
For information about the Sharon Timlin Memorial 5K Road Race to Cure ALS, please email run4als@gmail.com or visit the website www.sharontimlinrace.org
Donations in Sharon Timlin’s memory are also welcome and would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made online at www.sharontimlinrace.org, at The Angel Fund website at www.theangelfund.org, or by sending a check made payable to The Angel Fund to The Timlin Race, 6 Donna Pass, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

Nancy Sharon Timlin
Nancy Sharon Timlin, born on August 13, 1941 in Abilene, Texas, was the eldest daughter of six children of Jake and Opal Beyer. Growing up on the Texas plains, she learned early the values of faith and family.
Sharon brought the same loving devotion and fierce commitment to rearing her own three daughters – Jeri Lynn, Tracy, and Sherri – and her son Mike.
Sharon always focused on the positive in life and left the rest to prayer. In times of trial and trouble, she would say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” and soldier on.
In early 2000, Sharon began noticing that her right foot seemed to drag, but with the same determination she lived her life, she chalked it up to being in a hurry and tripping and thought nothing of it. By the end of that same year, she was walking with a cane. Finally in May 2001, after countless doctor visits, Sharon and her family learned she had ALS. By July, Sharon was getting around by wheelchair only. Even though the disease moved quickly through her body she maintained a positive spirit.
Sharon lost her battle to the horrible disease, ALS, on March 12, 2002.
“Her courage in the face of this dreadful disease has inspired all of us to do what we can to raise awareness, contribute to research, and provide solace to those faced with ALS,” her family has said. “We are all so grateful to have had the time with her that we did.”

The 14th Annual Jimmy Kennedy Memorial Run for ALS, (the Squirrel Run XIV), a 5-mile run, 2.5-mile fitness walk and family fun day which will be held on Saturday, June 11h at Pageant Field, Merrymount Parkway in Quincy.
Proceeds from the Squirrel Run will benefit The Angel Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) research at the Cecil B. Day Laboratory for Neuromuscular Research at the UMass Medical Center in Worcester.
According to Jimmy’s brother Rich (Ratt) Kennedy, Jimmy was an outstanding football player and track athlete who graduated from North Quincy High in 1984, the 8th and final member of the Kennedy family to do so. He graduated with high honors from Northeastern, receiving his diploma from his Dad, Dean of Students Christopher Kennedy (himself a 25 year member of the Quincy School Committee). Jimmy moved on to Washington DC where he attended and ultimately graduated from Georgetown Law School. He passed the bar on his first attempt, accepted a job with the prestigious Washington law firm Schwald, Donnenfeld and Bray, and settled in suburban Waldorf, MD with his new wife Karen.
Shortly after settling in Waldorf, Jimmy began to notice weakness and difficulties with daily activities. Progression of symptoms led to diagnostic testing and in short order he received two dramatically contrasting pieces of information: First, his wife Karen informed that she was pregnant with their first child …… and then he was told that he had ALS. The diagnosis was particularly hard for Jimmy to hear, as he had earlier watched his Dad succumb to the same horrific disease.
Jimmy was 28 when he was given this diagnosis and experienced the typical deterioration which comes with ALS. He watched the birth of his son but over time, found himself less and less able to assist in his care. Shortly after his 31st birthday, Jimmy said goodbye to his wife and son for the last time.
The Jimmy Kennedy Memorial Run for ALS is a tribute to the life of our beloved Squirrel, which each year brings together Jimmy’s friends, family, former teammates and classmates. It has become a joyous memorial, a highly competitive race and a magnificent, family oriented day of fun.
Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate in the 5-mile run and 2.5 mile walk that begins with registration at 8 a.m. The 2.5-mile fitness walk starts at 9 a.m. followed by the 5-mile run at 10 a.m. The USA Track and Field, New England Association officially sanctions the course.
The cost is $20 for registrations received before May 25th, 2011 and $25 after that date. All participants will receive a race t-shirt. Numbers will not be mailed prior to the race.
Registrations can be sent to the Jimmy Kennedy Memorial Run for ALS, 5 Norman Todd Lane, Cohasset, MA 02025.
In addition to the race and walk, the day will be filled with entertainment for children, plenty of refreshments, and awards for competitive runners in all divisions for men and women. There will be trophies, gift certificates, and other awards, as well as raffle prizes.
For registration information, or for further information please call Rich (Ratt) Kennedy (781) 383-6008, or email him at tytaylin@aol.com; or Marty Levenson (781) 278-1127, or at mlevenson@adt.com.

(Wakefield, MA) – The 6th Annual Daly Family Comedy Night to benefit The Angel Fund and ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) research will be held on Wednesday, May 25th at the Vittori Rocci Post in Beverly from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to The Angel Fund, an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting ALS investigation at the Cecil B. Day Neuromuscular Research Center run by Dr. Robert H. Brown, Jr. at the UMass Medical Center in Worcester.
The event will feature a buffet dinner and the comedy of Tony V along with a silent auction and raffles.
Tickets are $45 per person, and include dinner. Tickets can be purchased by calling Margaret Crateau at 978-578-4553 or Kathy Bonaiuto at 508-527-3318, or online at The Angel Fund’s website www.theangefund.org.
Donations are also appreciated and can be sent directly to Margaret Crateau at 148 Locust Street Danvers MA. Checks should be made payable to the Angel Fund.
For additional information, please call The Angel Fund at (781) 245-7070 or visit the website at www.theangelfund.org.

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