Today, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17. Today, people of all backgrounds celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, especially throughout the United States, Canada and Australia. Although North America is home to the largest festivities, in locations far from Ireland, including Japan, Singapore and Russia. Popular St. Patrick’s Day recipes include Irish soda bread, corned beef and cabbage and champ. In the United States, people often wear green on St. Patrick’s Day.
The Alpha-1 Foundation has been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day as a community since 2008. Over 300 guests joined together at the 17th Annual Celtic Connection on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Newton Marriott in Boston, Massachusetts. The outstanding event committee joined together this year to plan another outstanding Building Friends for a Cure (BFC) community fundraiser honoring Irish heritage. The event raised $177,000 of necessary funds for Alpha-1 research and related programs.
Celtic Connection has become the largest BFC event through the outstanding support of sponsors and the dedication and motivation of the longstanding committee, including Bob Healy, Chair, Mike & Diane Allen, Irene Calderon, Aleigha Campbell, Dan & Kathi Coffin, Shirley Dennis, Oliver & Joan Garry, Dan Grimm, Peg Iverson, Siobhan Lestina, Richard Lovrich, Joe & Patsy Masterson, Angela McBride, Dave & Lori Mitcheroney, Pattie Murphy, Ingrid Nunes, Diana Patterson, Michael & Karin Pittsley, Rachel Sprunger and the Walsh Family.
The Celtic Connection event brings in an old Irish element. The highlight each year is the presentation of the Shillelagh Award. The Shillelagh is a traditional Celtic weapon associated with Ireland, and the award symbolizes the battle that Alpha-1 doctors, researchers, and leadership wage against Alpha-1.
Past recipients are always present to share in their continued dedication and commitment to Alphas worldwide. Past recipients include Dr. Monica Goldklang, Dr. James Stoller, Dr. Terrence R. Flotte, Dr. Edwin K. “Ed” Silverman, Dr. Jeanine M. D’Armiento, Dr. Noel G. “Gerry” McElvaney, Dr. Andrew Wilson, Dr. Darrell N. Kotton, Fred Walsh and John W. Walsh.
This year the 2025 Shillelagh award was presented in Fred Walsh’s memory to each person at the event for their courage, indefatigable determination and indomitable fighting spirit. Fred was an incredible leader both as the Vice Chair of A1F and an AlphaNet Coordinator for 30 years, he served as a key figure in the Alpha-1 Community and carried on his brother, John W. Walsh’s commitment to finding a Cure for Alpha-1. We will always be reminded of Fred Walsh for all these character traits that he possessed.
Each guest was presented with the gift of a traditional Shillelagh keychain to carry with pride, representing the strength and fighting spirit of the Alpha-1 community. The Walsh family graciously handed out the gifts to the event guests.
“Fred’s belief in patient empowerment resonated deeply, and he championed the idea that individuals must take an active role in their health and advocate for themselves. Fred remained hopeful for the continued growth and success of the Alpha-1 Community, envisioning it as a beacon of hope for patients everywhere. His legacy, rooted in compassion, advocacy, and community, will undoubtably inspire future generations of Alphas to connect, support, and strive for a brighter future,” exclaimed Scott Santarella, A1F President & CEO.
Mr. Santarella then made two special announcements honoring Fred’s legacy. The creation of the Alpha-1 Foundation Fred C. Walsh Speaker Bureau. This new program will serve to empower Alphas to be the voice of the Alpha-1 Community. The second announcement was the support from AlphaNet for a $100,000 grant designated to A1F’s new testing and detection program.
“This gathering holds special significance as we honor the remarkable legacy of Fred C. Walsh. His unwavering dedication to the Alpha-1 community has left a lasting impact, and we are privileged to celebrate his memory while embracing the rich and lively spirit of Celtic
culture that unites us all,” stated the 2025 Celtic Committee members.
A very special highlight of this year’s event was the attendance and presentation from the Consulate General of Ireland in Boston, Sighle FitzGerald. She represents the Consul General for New England with responsibility for the States of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Consulate FitzGerald remarked at how impressed she was with the Alpha-1 community coming together each year to raise awareness and funds for Alpha-1. She also complimented A1F and the community on their determination to strengthen testing. She marveled at A1F as the largest funder in the world for Alpha-1 research and was impressed with the innovation and determination towards finding a cure, and the collaboration with the research in Ireland.
The Celtic Connection event included live music performed this year for the first time by “Devri. The talented, award-winning, youth dancers from a local Irish dance studio, Harney’s Academy of Irish Dance located in Walpole, Massachusetts performed for the crowd. The jovial Irish music filled the room as guest clapped along with the flawless performances. Studio Founder, Liam Harney led the phenomenal program for the night, sharing insight and history on the detailed dance steps and traditional songs.
Thank you to our generous Celtic Connection Individual sponsors that make the event possible: Mark Brantly, MD, Gordon E. and Ruth Cadwgan, Darlene A. Dartt, PhD, Oliver and Joan Garry, Peg M. Iverson, Diana J. Patterson, Michael and Karin Pittsley, David A Pusey, Amelie Ratliff, Reidy Family, Jim Romano, Patty L. Tew and Walsh Family.
Thank you to our generous Celtic Connection Event Sponsors: AlphaNet, Beam Therapeutics, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Lung Center, CReM of Boston University and Boston Medical Center, CSL, Grifols, Korro Bio., Petrie’s Flower Shoppe, Takeda TargetTack, LLC and University of Massachusetts.
