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Byline: Jay Gearan
GARDNER - Forward in Health, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health conditions and dignity of the people of Fonde Fred, Haiti, got a big boost of donations from the appearance of former New England Patriots star Troy Brown recently at a local store.
Hundreds of fans streamed in lines that extended inside, outside and around the corner of Anthony's Liquor Mart at Pearson Boulevard. Football fans were able to get an autograph, a handshake and an autographed photo from Brown.
In addition, Patriots cheerleader Siobhan O'Keefe was at the store, signing autographs and also selling the New England Patriots Cheerleader Calendar. Proceeds from T-shirt and key ring sales went to Forward in Health.
So big was the crowd that local police were hired to help direct traffic into and out of the store's parking lot.
Working with Dr. John Mulqueen, the founder of Forward in Health, Jim Kraskouskas, owner of Anthony's Liquor Mart, arranged for Brown'sappearance in conjunction with Narragansett Brewing Co.
Also at Brown's fundraiser appearance, two new Forward in Health wine labels were introduced for sale at Anthony's Liquor Mart, a Sauvignon Blanc and a Malbec. Profits from sales of the wines went to Forward in Health.
As part of the fundraising day at the store, several local cheerleading squads, including high school and Pop Warner groups, were invited and got a chance to have their photos taken with the Patriots cheerleader.
Brown, who is the College Football Hall of Fame, is a former star cornerback with the Patriots. He played his entire 15-year career with New England, was on three Super Bowl championship teams and retiredas the franchise leader in career receptions.
Many fans who lined up for Brown's autograph recalled perhaps the player's finest moment on the gridiron during the 2006 AFC DivisionalPlayoff game when Brown stripped away a fumble from a San Diego player, triggering the Patriots' late-game rally and eventual comeback victory.
"We were pleased to help Dr. Mulqueen and his great organization, Forward in Health," Kraskouskas said.
On its website, forwardinhealth.org, Dr. Mulqueen explained the recent work of his organization:
"April 2010 found the third medical team heading off to Haiti since the earthquake, representing Forward In Health. The team spent one week in the Les Cayes region of Haiti, providing general medical careto children and adults. In addition to the general medical care offered, a surgical team made up of nurses, orthopedic and OB-GYN doctorsworked at the hospital in Les Cayes, performing much-needed surgeries. This overwhelming need for surgeries encountered during this trip is what lead us to include a surgical wing to our construction plans.
"Since the earthquake, the medical need in Haiti has increased beyond our worst nightmare. Although the need for acute emergency care has passed, the more immediate care is not only for the crush injuriesand amputations but also for the emotional toll this trauma has taken on the Haitian children and adults with many of them losing their entire families. These issues in addition to what was already a lack of even basic medical care, will be the driving force behind our work for many years to come. Forward In Health was working in Haiti beforethe earthquake, providing emergency care within one week of the tragedy, and we will be providing life saving care for years to come."
ART: PHOTO
PHOTOG: JAY GEARAN
CUTLINE: From left, Patriots cheerleader Siobhan O'Keefe, Jim Kraskouskas of Anthony's Liquor Mart and former Patriots cornerback Troy Brown.
