Sold-out ALS fundraiser a success
Last year's event raised over $150,000 for Mass. chapter
By Mike Petraglia / Special to MLB.com

Shonda Schilling (left) and Dawn Timlin at the second annual <I>Say It With Flowers</I> event. (Brita Meng Outzen/MLB.com)
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BOSTON -- In the middle of a crowded room on the 33rd floor of a building that overlooks Boston Harbor, Shonda Schilling and Dawn Timlin leaned over to greet a 38-year-old wheelchair-bound woman Tuesday.
Lisa Tedisky smiled as the two Red Sox wives greeted her. Tedisky was on hand to deliver -- through her boyfriend -- a keynote speech for the second annual Say It With Flowers event to benefit the ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter.

For the last three years, Tedisky herself has been fighting ALS--Lou Gehrig's Disease. Before being diagnosed in 2003, the Putnam, Conn., native was a legal secretary at a prominent law firm and spent free time coaching cheerleading squads. Now, Tedisky is cheering on those trying to strike out ALS.

"She was an athlete who was very active and very talented," Schilling said. "You walk around here, aware of how very lucky you are to be able to move around and go where you want to and do what you want to do.

"I've always been so grateful to have been around people like Lisa who help raise awareness. You see what she's been through and it allows you to keep everything in perspective. One reason we've been around baseball for as long as we have is because of people like Lisa who help us keep things in perspective," Schilling added.

In addition to raising awareness, the event brought in nearly $150,000 in 2005 and Rick Arrowood, president/CEO of the ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter, expects to surpass that figure this year.

"Unfortunately, there's still no cure or effective treatment," Arrowood said. "But what we're doing is raising money. We're trying to get to the point of 'one patient, one clinic, one visit' and raising money at an event like this helps us get there. The idea is to give patients what they need one time and keep them from making multiple trips back. Funding also helps the health care provider because if the provider has funding, the patient will be healthier in the long run."

Dawn Timlin co-chairs the event along with Schilling and was left with quite an impression made by the 350 people who turned out Tuesday.

"Probably it is the fact that there are people in this room who have family or friends affected by it or have passed away," Timlin said. "This is about finding answers to real-life problems, not just a luncheon."

The day started with a floral arranging class from "America's Flower Man" Dale Rohman, before midday activities that included a wine reception, raffle and a silent auction on several Red Sox and New England Patriots memorabilia items.

"We are in every detail," Schilling said. "From what gets grouped together to what is placed out for bidding. I didn't like all the decisions, but it's worth it."

"To me it's the phenomenal turnout," Arrowood said. "To see 350 people at a sold-out event, it's amazing. With the energy in this room, it would completely take care of my patients for the next 10 years. We've set a new standard for next year."

The day was capped off by a luncheon, followed by the keynote speech, written by Tedisky and delivered by her boyfriend Chris Connolly, and a fashion show. Those looking for information or wishing to donate to the ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter can call 1-888-CURE-ALS (287-3257) or go online at www.als-ma.org.

Mike Petraglia is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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