By Michael Morton/Daily News staff
GHS
Mon Sep 03, 2007, 07:48 PM EDT


Franklin -
With Phil Henault's body ravaged by a fatal motor control disease, his friends have banded together to support the Fisher Street resident and his family.

They've taken the 40-year-old for rides in his beloved red Chevy Corvette, since he can no longer drive. They've sat with him at home when the rest of the household is at youth football, a sport he can no longer coach. And, after much prodding, they've convinced his appreciative-but-reluctant wife to let them start a foundation for the couple's children and to hold an inaugural fundraiser Sept. 15.

In the process, members of Henault's circle have become closer with each other, meeting regularly at Cole's Tavern to plan for their upcoming event.

"It's a group of friends like none other I've seen," said Linda Rossetti, a colleague of Henault's wife, Rose, who came to a tavern gathering this week. Helpers include childhood neighbors, members of his long-running rock band Outer Edge and co-workers from his days laying, and later selling, cement.

"Phil has this network of lifelong friends," said Tricia Bates, who met Rose Henault when their sons were in the same kindergarten class.

"The Friends," as they call themselves, sprung into action after Henault was diagnosed nearly two years ago with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a degenerative condition that causes muscle weakening and eventual paralysis that is commonly known as ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease.

Though patients can occasionally survive longer, the average life span once diagnosed is three to five years. Marveling at his continued upbeat attitude, Phil Henault's family and friends have nonetheless watched him lose control of his hands and mobility and listened as his speech has severely declined. Wanting to help in some way "This is something we need to give back to them," Rossetti said they asked if they could establish a fund for the Henaults' two boys, ages 8 and 10.

Though grateful for the offer, Rose Henault initially declined. She was used to giving not receiving, and was dealing with the drastic changes in her family's life. It was just too hard.

"Until you're in the situation we're in, you really don't know," she said during a phone interview.

But earlier this year, the group talked her into it, and she and her husband also accepted an offer from his former high school classmates, Matt Sousa and Paul Molla of the Franklin charity Random Smile Project, to fix up a section of their house to bring in rental revenue.

"I knew I wasn't going to win this time," Rose Henault joked.

Back at the tavern, Craig Riollo, who grew up near Phil Henault, said, "If it was one of us, they'd be sitting here."

Thanks to donated space by owner Scott Amendola, a high school classmate of Phil Henault's, the debut fundraiser for the Phil Henault Children's Fund will be held at Cole's Tavern from noon until midnight, with children's activities from noon to 5 p.m. The event costs $20 for adults and is free for children.

It features food, live bands, a DJ, a dunk tank, raffles and auctions.

Donations can also be made in the foundation's name at Dean Cooperative Bank or through a PayPal account at www.philhenaultchildrensfund.com.

To find prizes for their fundraiser, The Friends worked their contacts, with Tony Bennett signing original sheet music, CDs and copies of his autobiography. They also went to local businesses with letters describing Phil Henault's condition: how he can no longer work, play the drums in his band or even hug his wife and kids. Touched by the tragedy, business owners donated hotel stays, sports memorabilia and tickets to games, among other items.

"People have been incredibly generous," Bates said.

Rose Henault said the fundraiser would help provide for the future of the couple's children.

"It's something I think about every day," she said. "How can I do that? Will I be able to do that?"

But even more than the event, she has taken comfort in knowing that The Friends are around.

"If I wasn't surrounded by the people I am, I don't know if I could do this," she said.

As for her husband, who is hoping his health allows him to attend his friends' endeavor, Rose Henault said, "He's just so overwhelmed by the amount of support. He's very excited."

Michael Morton can be reached at mmorton@cnc.com or 508-634-7582.
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