August 13, 2025 • 38 mins
We kicked off the program with four news stories and different guests on the stories we think you need to know about!
Malden Nonprofit Offers Beach Equipment For Those With Disabilities – How one local nonprofit’s mission is to help those with disabilities live a fulfilling life.
Guest: Rachel Kaprielian – CEO of Triangle, Inc.
The race to find a cure for ALS. Activist talks about activism for the genetic ALS and FTD communities, advocates for research funding and healthcare advancements for genetic carriers and people living with ALS. -Also wrote a book: Last Nerve: A Memoir of Illness and the Endurance of Family.
Guest: Mindy Uhrlaub - ALS activist and author - founding member of End the Legacy, a nonprofit organization that works to support the genetic ALS and FTD
The Matt Brown Foundation Team Running in the 2025 Falmouth Road Race!
Guest: Matt Brown – of the Matt Brown Foundation
LPGA coming to TPC in Norton! Tournament will bring the world’s top LPGA golfers to the region over Labor Day weekend. With a $4.1 million purse, the largest outside the majors and Tour Championship.
Guest: Patrick Healey - FM Championship Tournament Director
Malden Nonprofit Offers Beach Equipment For Those With Disabilities – How one local nonprofit’s mission is to help those with disabilities live a fulfilling life.
Guest: Rachel Kaprielian – CEO of Triangle, Inc.
The race to find a cure for ALS. Activist talks about activism for the genetic ALS and FTD communities, advocates for research funding and healthcare advancements for genetic carriers and people living with ALS. -Also wrote a book: Last Nerve: A Memoir of Illness and the Endurance of Family.
Guest: Mindy Uhrlaub - ALS activist and author - founding member of End the Legacy, a nonprofit organization that works to support the genetic ALS and FTD
The Matt Brown Foundation Team Running in the 2025 Falmouth Road Race!
Guest: Matt Brown – of the Matt Brown Foundation
LPGA coming to TPC in Norton! Tournament will bring the world’s top LPGA golfers to the region over Labor Day weekend. With a $4.1 million purse, the largest outside the majors and Tour Championship.
Guest: Patrick Healey - FM Championship Tournament Director
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
It's nice eyes, Dan Ray, I'm going you easy Boston's
news Radio.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
We will definitely stay dry, well, we'll try to stay dry.
We may not stay dry because it may get wet. Hey, everybody,
welcome on in to a Wednesday night edition of Night Sime.
My name is Dan Ray. Here to stay with you
all the way until just before midnight. So we'll get
you all the way till about eleven fifty eight. We
(00:27):
have interesting guests, certainly interesting guests in the eight o'clock hour.
We have interesting topics that we will discuss with you
in the nine o'clock in ten o'clock hour. So before
we do that, let me mention that we will have
coming up tonight. We're as much we're in my notes here,
here we go. We're gonna talk about transportation safety in Boston.
(00:50):
There are a couple of ugly accidents a few days
ago in Boston. I was trying to find out today
whether or not the people who injured survived, and there
is very little information. We'll talk about that. We'll also
talk about later on tonight, the space crisis facing graveyards
and cemetery. So not necessarily the most uplifting topic, but
(01:12):
something that we must talk about before we do that. However,
I am delighted to welcome back a former state representative,
a rising was once still is a rising star in
the Democratic Party cabinet, secretary head of Agencies in the government,
and now she's the CEO of Triangle, my friend, Rachel Kaprillion. Rachel,
(01:36):
how are you tonight?
Speaker 3 (01:38):
I'm great, Dan, It's so nice to be with you.
It's nice to be on your show. And thank you
for bringing the news and all the debate you have
for all these years.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Well, thank you very much. I remember when we were
back at Soldiers Field and you would come over from
nearby Watertown and we would have a lot of fun
and a lot of laughs for an hour or so,
but also deal with serious topics. You were one of
my favorite guests. I want you to know that, even
though you're a Democrat.
Speaker 3 (02:05):
Okay, so well, thank you. I was actually at the
time because I could answer those registry questions that would
come our way from all over the state. So yes,
that was fun.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
Well, right, I remember. As a matter of fact, I'm
trying to figure out and I'm just going to ask
you a quiet question, why is it that we treat
these electric bikes and all of those vehicles, scooters and
things differently out on the roads. That's we're going to
talk about it at nine o'clock. But I'm just kind
of curious. Has that always been the way or have
(02:36):
there been ways in which all of the electric bikes,
the mopeds, the motorized scooters. My understanding that even these
that are used for commercial activity and the sort of
the door dash stuff, they don't have to have commercial insurance.
Even you don't have their insurance even when they're we're
driving stuff commercially. It's crazy. I don't want to put
you in the spot, but I'm sure you know how
(02:59):
complicated the red industry issues can be, and.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
Technology and these new vehicles often don't keep up with
sort of the rules and regulations of what are defined
as motor vehicles. But that's the broadway of saying it,
and I'm a little bit out of the detail of that.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
That's okay, I thank you. I think you said it well.
What you will be able to tell us about, of course,
is the great organization that you are now the chief
executive officer of, and that is Triangle, a great organization.
I knew it before you got there. And I'm sure
you've only made it better tell us about Triangle.
Speaker 3 (03:32):
Well, thank you, Dan, and I'm so proud to be
leading Triangle. And Triangle was founded in nineteen seventy one,
around the time when institutions were closing where people lived
who had intellectual disabilities and differences, and a number of
civic leaders from what was called the Triangle, which was Medford,
Malden and Everett, decided that they wanted to start an
(03:53):
organization and that would help first and foremost people with
disabilities get jobs. They were visionary and to include people
with disabilities in all walks of life and employment, in
community and recreation and anywhere that there are any people
doing anything that people with disabilities should belong. And since then,
(04:13):
the core of Triangle has still been empowerment and still
been helping people with disabilities get jobs. And I think
that in this day and age, we are far ahead
of where we once were and hopefully going even further
faster to include people of all types of abilities into
the work, into all workplaces.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
Well, not only that, but I think James Rojas, one
of our reporters, did a story about Triangle offering beach
equipment for people who have disabilities that can get them
on the beach and maybe even into the water. Tell
us about that.
Speaker 3 (04:49):
Yes, it was great to see Reporter Rojas at our
event we have co sponsored and co hosted for eight
years now, an event called Beach Abilities. And what it is,
simply put, it is a way for everybody to enjoy
a beautiful day at the beach and in the ocean.
I at the Constitution Beach right in Boston, and there
(05:09):
are sand wheelchairs, there are mobility mats, there are adaptive
kayaks and other adaptive wheelchairs, so that people with all
abilities can be on the sand and be in the
ocean and just enjoy a beach day as anyone else would.
And a lot of our participants were even from Massachusetts
and even from coastal communities in some cases and hadn't
(05:31):
been able to enjoy the beach as they did at
Beach Ability.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
That has to give you tremendous satisfaction. Again, I know
that as a member of the legislature and then as
the again having several positions are too numerous to mention
within the state government, you were someone who, really, I thought,
tried to help people. And what you're doing here with
triangle is specifically that you're helping people with disabilities become
(05:57):
more complete citizens and more complete darticipants in everything that
everybody should be involved in. This must give you a
lot of satisfaction to know that you're making a difference,
that you are making more of a difference now in
people's lives maybe than when you're in the state legislature.
Speaker 3 (06:15):
Well, it was a different way of contribution. And that's
really what it all comes down to is contribution. And
people with disabilities can contribute in innumerable ways if given
the right supports, the right opportunities, and you know, the
through line sort of my whole career, you know, has
been giving people opportunities and you know, for supporting legislation
(06:36):
that can do that, if the registerry and motor vehicles
like you know how you can sort of include adaptive
vehicles so people can drive, making sure that there's lots
of ways when you can accommodate to accommodate. And it
is I'm one person, but there are so many heroes
going back decades of inclusionary folks and who always wanted
(06:59):
to find ways to help people with disabilities live more robust,
meaningful and contributing lives, and I'm just standing on their
shoulders and appreciative for all that they have done, and
appreciative to the people who are younger who are used
to seeing people with disabilities in all walks of life,
who look at someone and wonder how they can. And
that's really what Triangle has done since nineteen seventy one
(07:21):
and what will continue to do today and into the future.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
So, now you're fifty four years old, not you personally,
but the organization is fifty four years old. How can
people help Triangle who may feel drawn to the cost?
What's the website? And I assume that the easiest way
to help is for someone still they still you still
(07:45):
accept checks? Okay, I assume we.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
Guys, we do.
Speaker 4 (07:48):
We do.
Speaker 3 (07:49):
We do an annual celebration. We do an annual golf
tournament that we just had on July twenty eighth. It
was fantastic on a beautiful day. And we also have
people who volunteer with us, people who and you know,
I would put rid of a shout out to our employers.
We've had so many employers who have worked with us,
and you know, our our staff and our participants to
help find a way for people to be better included
(08:11):
in jobs and to some great outcomes. So what I
would ask the listeners is this thing. If you work
at an organization, any organization, think about people who could
work with you, alongside you, and how we could help
accommodate you know, them being contributing members of society and
and uh and and employee and employees.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
So is it just Triangle dot org or what's the
easiest way in this day and age. We used to
give our phone numbers, but now everybody's got our website.
Speaker 3 (08:41):
Yes, is www dot Triangle dash Inc. I NC dot org.
And you can also just google Triangle Malden and our
organization will come up.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
Okay, I'll tell you one of those secrets. You don't
need that Www anymore. Not only is this for.
Speaker 3 (08:57):
It's true Triangle uh dot org perfect.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
Perfect. Rachel Caprilliant is always pleasure to talk with you.
Miss seeing you and thank you so much for the
great work you do for folks with disabilities at Triangle
wonderful organization. Thank you so much. Be well. Okay, when
we get back, we're going to talk about finding a
cure for als. Als has to be one of the
(09:24):
most vicious diseases in terms of it robs people slowly
but surely of their their abilities. If you've ever had
friends or colleagues who suffered from ALS, you understand what
I'm talking about. And we're going to be talking with
an ALS activist and an author, founding member of End
(09:47):
the Legacy, a nonprofit organization that works to support finding
a cure for ALS. We'll be back on nights side
right after a couple of brief commercial messages.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
N with Dan Ray on WBZ, Boston's news radio.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
I think all of us know about what is called
lou Gerrigg's disease ALS. Speaking with Mindy, your lob, Mindy,
I'm hoping I got your name correctly there. Your lob?
Is that what's pronounced?
Speaker 5 (10:18):
It's ear lob?
Speaker 2 (10:19):
But enough, okay, well now we'll get it right. Erlob.
That's okay, like er lob. Okay, fine. You're an ALS
activist and an author founding member of End the Legacy,
a nonprofit organization. What exactly is end the Legacy?
Speaker 5 (10:34):
First of all, and the legacy grew out of a
need that was not being met. And the legacy is
a group of people who carry genes that cause ALS
and STD, which is fronto temporal degeneration. The gene that
(10:55):
I carry is the C nine r F seventy two gene,
and it causes both amiotrophic lateral sclerosis and fronto temporal degeneration.
And so, you know, a lot of people have heard
of FTD, a lot of people have heard of ALS,
but there's this sort of intersection where we're not meeting
because only about ten to fifteen percent of people with
(11:18):
ALS are the genetic carriers.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
So does that mean that you are destined to contract
one of these diseases or both?
Speaker 5 (11:31):
You know, they used to think that that was the case.
You know when I started on this journey, when I
first was diagnosed as being a carrier in twenty eighteen,
I thought my chances of getting either ALS, FTD or
both was about ninety five percent. But recently there's research
that is showing that the gene that I carry is
(11:53):
potentially less penetrant, meaning that just because you carried the
gene doesn't mean you're going to develop the disease.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
So can everyone at a point in their life take
that genetic test or is that genetic test something that
is not readily available?
Speaker 5 (12:12):
Well, that's tricky. You really wouldn't want to take the
genetic test unless you have a family history of ALS
or FTD, or if you're showing signs of ALS or
FTD like muscle weakness, twitching, slurring your speech, that kind
of thing, and so you know you would You can
(12:34):
have a genetic mutation even though someone in your family
did not, but it's very rare to have, like what's
called a Dinobo mutation.
Speaker 2 (12:43):
I assume it's an expensive process to go through that
if someone just wanted to have their mind put at ease,
and of course if it comes up positive, that can
really mess with your mind as well. I assume there
are those considerations you have to at least think about.
Speaker 5 (13:00):
Well, I mean, it's not expensive if you if you
join a longitudinal research study. So that's the one thing is,
you know, it's free for people who join research and
you definitely wouldn't want to do it without consulting a
genetic counselor first.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
Okay, so you have written a book. You have a
novel about life in the Congo. But you also wrote
a book Last Nerve, a memoir of illness and endurance
of family. I assume that was not a novel.
Speaker 5 (13:33):
No, that's actually my own memoir, and it's about what
it was like being diagnosed as being, you know, a
carrier of a genetic mutation that causes you know, that's
fatal and and you know kind of what I was
going through at the time when I received that.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Okay, So if folks want to learn more about and
the legacy, there must be an easy website which which
can explain it in greater depth than we have time
to discuss.
Speaker 5 (14:08):
Yes, you can go to uh Endelegacy dot org. Or
you can go to my website which is mindy for
a lot of u hr l a ub dot com.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
Okay, and the book that's mentioned here your debut novel.
We don't talk in great detail about novels because obviously
people have no way to understand or relate to that.
But have you did you spend some time in the
Congo in order to write about life in the Congo?
Speaker 5 (14:39):
I did, actually, Yes, I spent close to a month
in the country, spread over two different trips, and that's
where I actually learned how to be an activist. So
became an activist for women in Congo and then took
that activism and brought it to the world of just
(15:00):
neic als, and did you go.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
There with the intention of becoming an activist or would
you just go there on on a trip and then
see things that unsettled you and and that led you
to activism.
Speaker 5 (15:15):
I read King Leopold's Ghost by Adam Hoakeshield, and it
changed my life, and I wanted to learn more, and
so I had I started reading lots of reports by
like Human Rights Watch and v DA, which is eve
Ensler's group, and I started realizing that things in Congo
(15:36):
now are really similar to the way that they were
under King Leopold of Belgium. So so I started writing
a story, like a biography of a girl who a
modern day girl who you know, overcomes adversity in Congo.
And I realized I really had no idea what I
was I mean, I knew what I was talking about
(15:57):
because I had done the research, but I I wanted
to know what the air felt like, and I wanted
to know, you know, what it smelled like and what
it looked like. And so I took testimony of girls
and women who were the victims of rape and torture
at the hands of militia groups, and it's funny because
it's that, you know, that taught me how to really
(16:19):
write from the point of view of somebody who's sure,
you know, living living in experience, and that's what helped
me write Last Nerve.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
And there still is a great deal of fighting and
killing going on in the Congo right now, and it's
so complicated those of us who don't who don't experience it,
it's difficult to tell even who the combatants are.
Speaker 1 (16:43):
It's so confusing, Yes, it is.
Speaker 5 (16:47):
And you know, sometimes people seem like the good guys
are not the bad guys, and vice versa.
Speaker 2 (16:52):
That's exactly what we're talking about. I mean to appreciate
your time very very much, but again it's the main
point that we want to talk about is your organization
and the legacy dot org. Thank you so much, many
appreciate it. Mindy Earlin, thank you so much.
Speaker 5 (17:10):
I appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
You're welcome. We get back. Going to talk to someone
I've known for a long time, Matt Brown. He is
a high school hockey player who suffered a life changing injury,
but he is actually doing so much for other people
who find themselves in that same set of circumstances. And
he has a Matt Brown Foundation team running in this
(17:34):
year's Phalmouth road Race, which is this weekend. We'll talk
with Matt Brown, who's a remarkable human being and a
dear friend. Right after the news at the bottom of the.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
Hour, it's Night's Eyes with Boston's News Radio.
Speaker 2 (17:51):
I'm about to introduce you to someone's been on the
show before. His name is Matt Brown, one of the
most extraordinary people I've ever met. He's a young guy,
thirty one, right, Matt, If I'm not mistaken, thirty one years.
Speaker 6 (18:03):
Old that is, and that you know, some books might
not say it's young anymore, but I still feel young.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
You bet you, you bet you well. You had a
horrific accident as a as a high school hockey player,
and the story of that accident, in your battle back
is in a book called Line Change, right, correct, Yeah,
And that's sort of a little double on Taundre there.
(18:31):
If anybody wants to read an inspirational book, go on
to Amazon and get Line Change by Matt Brown. Matt,
you have spent more than half your life confined to
a wheelchair, but that has maybe your body's been confined,
but certainly a spirit hasn't You have founded and worked
(18:51):
very closely with a dear mutual friend of ours, Jack
Daugherty of College Hype on the Matt Brown Foundation. Tell
us what the Matt Brown Foundation does, which to me
is extraordinary because it isn't there to help Matt Brown.
It's there to help other people who find themselves in
a Matt Brown type situation. It's extraordinary. Tell us about it.
Speaker 6 (19:15):
Exactly, Dan. So, you know, I was so lucky that
after I had my accident back in twenty ten, I
had a whole community in village rally behind me, and
that let me know that I wasn't going to need
to face this injury by myself. I was going to
have people I could lean on, people I could talk to,
people that would help me in ways that have gotten
(19:37):
me through high school and college. And so in later
years of after college, and as I was writing the
book Line Change, the idea and dream of having my
own foundation came up, and you know, we thought about
the Travis Royce Foundation, what they helped me through, and
I it truly just knew it was time for us
(19:59):
to be there for others. And so when we launched
the foundation in twenty twenty, it was to be there
to help individuals or families and groups you know that
are suffering, that have suffered spon awkward injuries, and of
course launching the foundation in twenty twenty was not easy
in the middle of a pandemic. But in the last
few years we've really really started to hit our stride
(20:22):
and the Foundations continue to grow. We're helping more and
more through bathroom ovations, home renovations, accessible vans and pieces
of home equipment.
Speaker 2 (20:34):
Unbelievable, just unbelievable. Man. So now this weekend is the
found with road race. You have along with your running
partner Lucas. You've competed in Boston marathons. Obviously you're in
a wheelchair and you basically travel the course like any
(20:57):
of the other runners. You were not participating in the
Falmouth road Race, but you have a team. I think yes,
of this morning it was twenty one runners who are
raising money, an extraordinary group for the Matt found Matt
Brown Foundation. Tell us what you hope to accomplish this weekend.
I'm sure you're going to be at the Falmouth road
Race and cheering them on.
Speaker 6 (21:20):
We are, and I believe this is truly one of
the best weekends on the Cape Falmouth just comes alive
this weekend. And like you said, we have twenty one
runners this year and the numbers for nonprofits group down
at Falmouth has raised over sixty three million dollars since
two thousand alone. It could be well more than that.
(21:41):
The film Throwers has truly become a massive, massive force
for nonprofits in the area. We're going to be down
there and this year is a super special year. We
have twenty one runners and some of them are the
family related, some of them are friends, and some of
them are complete strangers. And all of them have set
(22:04):
their goal at two thousand dollars and some have surpassed it.
Some are getting really close, and their efforts have you know,
allowed us to raise you know, almost forty thousand dollars
alone right now just at Balmouth. And you know, if
you go on and check our check out our page
on race roster and on our website, you know you'll
(22:27):
see that we have surpassed our goal already. But you know,
if there's anyone out there that you know, is is
is compelled by the store to donate. We sold a
few runners at Havn't you know, reached their goal but
are getting close and you know, any any little bit
counts and it continues to allow us to do what
we're doing for the for the paralysis community.
Speaker 2 (22:49):
So you will have twenty one runners, you'll have some
other runners who I guess I think you told me
there were four or five runners in the race who
are also going to contribute to the cost of the
Matt Brown Foundation. And if individuals are listening tonight, uh,
and they'd like to get more information about your foundation. Uh.
(23:11):
The easy way to get to these days is it's
got to be a website. I think I know what
it is, but I'd rather have you tell us so
I don't mess it up.
Speaker 6 (23:21):
You know, it's uh, it isn't crazy. It's the Matt
Brown Foundation dot org. And we have a bunch of
information on there. You know, you can learn how to
get involved. We have all of our events marathon, golf
tournament and fun with the road race. We have our
store where our good pal Jack Daugherty and College Hype
(23:41):
has all of our apparel. You know, line changes is
on and there and this where folks want to come
by in grab a copy of the book and you know,
dig a little deeper into the my story and obviously
there's a donate button and if we we we invite
anyone that can to donate and to help, you know,
(24:03):
continue to grow this cause and follow grow our mission
as far and as we can.
Speaker 2 (24:10):
Well, I know that I was talking to Jack Dougherty
today and I guess his son, Evan, who spent the
day teaching hockey along with PK Subiat, which is a
great NHL player, down at a rink in Quincy. He's
already got five thousand dollars lined up for his run.
So it sort of runs in the family, the Dougherty
(24:33):
family that they do great things for lots of different
people at college Hype and he introduced me to you
many years ago. And so what I want to do
is I will throw a thousand dollars. My contribution will
be in the mail to the Matt Brown Foundation on
IBL and I'll put it in honor of Evan Doherty
and so we can boost him up and maybe make
(24:54):
him the top fundraiser this weekend.
Speaker 6 (24:56):
Dan he is he's like you said that that family
goes above and beyond, and we are super super grateful
to have them in our corner.
Speaker 2 (25:05):
Uh.
Speaker 6 (25:06):
And then I I can't thank you enough for that.
This is really means a lot and I just can't
thank you enough for having me on and you know,
being a part of this village as we try and
grow it more and more.
Speaker 2 (25:20):
Well having you know, met you several times. I know
what what, what a courageous person you are to have
one dealt with the finality of the horrific you know,
spine injury that you suffered. I know your family stuck
with you. It's it's an incredible story. Anybody who wants
(25:40):
to read a book that's inspirational, and also anybody who
feels sorry for themselves at any point, you can't feel
sorry for yourself. After reading line change and realizing Matt
has turned this terrible moment, you know, there's just's just
a freak injury. Same as as with Travis Roy. You
hit the boy. It's just at the right speed, at
(26:02):
the right angle, and your life changes in an instant,
and you you know, a lesser person would have allowed
that to overcome and defeat him. You've triumphed over it,
and you've helped so many other people along the ways.
Speaker 6 (26:18):
And and you know that you know, life can change
in an instant, but we can't change the past. No
matter how much we want to. So it's time to
look forward, and you know, you know, and not look back.
And I think I've mentioned it to you before, but
you know, doors close all the time in our lives,
(26:39):
but just because one door closes doesn't mean they all close.
So it's our job to figure out and figure out
how we navigate this new world in front of us.
Speaker 2 (26:48):
Yeah. Well, you are certainly navigating the new world despite
all of the obstacles that you face. And I just again,
I'm honored whenever I have you on the program, and
I I wish your team the best of luck at
the Falmouth Road Race. It's it's a great fundraiser, all
sorts of good causes. I wish we could highlight every
(27:09):
cause at Falmouth, but this is one that I know
very well, and I know how much great work you've
done over the years. And again with the help of
Jack Darney at College, Hype and and his family and
twenty other runners, I know you're gonna have a great
weekend and and come, you know, come sometime. The race
is on Sunday, correct, if I'm not mistaken, it is. Yeah, Okay,
(27:31):
I just want to make sure we nailed it. And
is it a ten k? It's a ten k, right.
Speaker 6 (27:36):
It's it's a little bit more. It's it's it's seven miles, Okay, just.
Speaker 2 (27:40):
A little bit more. Six point six point two is
ten k, so it's probably eleven k. But but either way,
it's a little more. It's a fabulous, fabulous race. Matt,
thank you so much. We will talk again soon and
congratulations on all of your successes and your perseverance. Matt.
The Matt Brownfoundation dot org.
Speaker 6 (28:00):
Thanks Matt, damn, thank you, my pleasure.
Speaker 2 (28:03):
When we get back, we're going to talk about another sport,
women's golf. The LBGA Tours comes to on the wonderful course,
the TPC Course in Norton over Labor Day weekend with
a purse of four point one million dollars. It's the
largest outside any of the majors, the Tour Championship, and
we'll be talking with the championship tournament director Patrick Heey
(28:28):
right after this quick break on Nightside.
Speaker 1 (28:31):
It's Night Side with Dan Ray on Foston's News Radio.
Speaker 2 (28:36):
Big Golf Championship coming to our neck of the woods
on a l every day weekend. We have a lot
of sports up here. Football, Patriots, Red sox brewin Celtics,
but golf, which might be bigger in other parts of
the countries, has a foothold here in New England with
us as Patrick Heey, it's called the FAM Championship. He's
the tournament director at the TPC course out in Norton,
(28:59):
which is a great course. Never had a chance to
play that course, but everyone who I've I'm known, has
played it said it's fabulous. Patrick. My first question is
what does FM in the f M Championship stand for.
I looked everywhere and I couldn't find any reference to FM.
I hope it's not talking about that that other radio band.
We're on an AM station right here.
Speaker 4 (29:22):
Dan, Well, first of all, thanks for for having me
on to FMU stands for Factory Mutual Commercial Insurance Company
based in Providence, Rhode Island. So no, we're not, uh,
we're not cheating on you with an f M a
M reference for.
Speaker 2 (29:39):
Sure Mutual on your website. You should. They should get
you know, more prominent display. I still don't know what
TPC stands for in Norton, it's always the TPC golf course.
Oh you know, I figured some guy named you know,
Tony Paul something. But what is is what is TP
The players courses that.
Speaker 4 (29:57):
This is a yeah, this is a quiz now. CBC
stands for Tournament Players Club.
Speaker 2 (30:05):
TBC.
Speaker 4 (30:05):
Boston has a ton of history on the men's side
of the game, so be our second year in a
row out there. So I think us as an organization,
the LPGA Tour, we're incredibly proud to kind of break
down those barriers, you know, with the men's side being
so prevalent, so much history out there, So incredibly proud
(30:26):
to make this our second year in a row out
at the women.
Speaker 2 (30:30):
The women are catching up, that's for sure. Tickets available
this weekend. I assume you start on Thursday before Labor Day, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, right,
regular four day tournament exactly.
Speaker 4 (30:43):
Yep, So we're Thursday, August twenty eighth Sunday August thirty first.
Tickets are available at our website FM Championship dot com.
You know, we pride ourselves on being incredibly affordable, a
great way to kind of bring the whole family out
Labor Day weekend. Juniors under seventeen are free. Seventeen and
(31:05):
under free. We're also free to former and current US
military members and first responders, so a very approachable ticket
ticket product.
Speaker 2 (31:18):
Yep, you're good. You're going to get a crowd. What
how many folks do you think over the course of
the weekend you'll you'll have out there. I mean it
looks it sounds to me like you're going to have
quite a crowd.
Speaker 4 (31:32):
Yeah, we're hopeful to get about thirty thirty five thousand
people through our gates over the course of the four days.
I think our field is incredibly strong. All five of
this year's LPGA Tour major champions are in the field.
We're also headlined by the top two players in the
(31:52):
world Nelly Corda and Gino bitakun Is having just an
incredible year. The other highlights for us, just from a
field perspective, Megan Kang, brittany Al Tamari, and Alexa Pano,
all of which all of whom are Massachusetts natives. Alexa
Pano also sponsored by the New England Patriots. So cool.
(32:17):
Tie in to the local sports teams in the market. Again,
we're just we're so incredibly proud to be a part
of that sports fabric up in Boston.
Speaker 2 (32:25):
Now we've seen that women's basketball, the w NBA is
taking off in launch part because of you know, some
of the superstars in that league. There's also there are
other women's sports that have been going on for a
long time, tennis, but golf. Women's golf has has really
(32:49):
risen in the last I'm going to say the last
ten to fifteen years, remarkable rise in terms of its
presence not only on television, but on the sports pages
and you know, in local newspapers. What do you attribute
it to? I mean, first of all, these are tremendous golfers.
They hit the heck out of the ball. They they
(33:13):
You've got you've got a lot of great players, and
they do things that the average golfer couldn't even dream
of doing.
Speaker 4 (33:20):
Totally absolutely yeah, I mean I think it is I
think you said it. I think it's our our athletes.
I think having operated events on the PGA Tour, PGA
Tour Champion, I think the one thing that we consistently
see across our LPGA Tour athletes, it's just the approachability.
(33:42):
I mean, you're you're talking about the top athletes in
the world that are just incredibly approachable, and I think
that sort of carries down to the products. So whether
that's television or in person experience. I think you know
we're at you know, I don't even think we're at
the mountaintop. In terms of our growth. We are the large,
(34:06):
longest running women's sports organization in the world. This year
will mark our seventy fifth anniversary, but honestly, I think
we are just getting started. I think part of that
success is paved by companies like FM who support our products,
support our athletes, our perse at. This year's FM Championship
(34:30):
is one of the largest prize funds on the LPGA tour.
In fact, it is the largest non major, non tour
championship perse So I think it's companies like FM who
have a ton of corporate missions, but they're putting kind
of their money where their mouth is in terms of
supporting us as a product.
Speaker 2 (34:51):
And again, I know you said it's a providence company,
but for people who let's give it a little bit
of publicity. What is the name? What it's what is
it called? F FM stands for.
Speaker 4 (35:02):
One Factory Mutual and they're a large corporate property insurance company,
so they specialize and and and solely focused in that.
I'm not on their marketing team, so I'm gonna I'm
gonna stop there, but an incredible, incredible partner. I think
(35:28):
a few things that they've done for our athletes beyond
price fund. They're putting all the players up in a
hotel all week at no expense, So one hundred and
forty four athletes will stay in the market on FM,
no money out of pocket to them, so sort of
stress free. They're putting dollars in every player's pocket. So
(35:48):
if you know, there's a cut after Friday, so typically
half the field gets eliminated, they go home, they don't
get a paycheck. FM is actually giving those athletes a
miscut sipe end of a thousand bucks. They're providing dinners
for the players, They're providing laundry for the players. So
they've gone above and beyond just to make sure our
(36:09):
athletes feel comfortable and enjoy their time in a great
market like Boston.
Speaker 2 (36:15):
Well, that is so important. I mean that that really
spikes speaks highly of your sponsor. And it also helps
women take a little take the women players. Takes a
little bit of pressure off. Not everybody's going to make
the cut. U And I know some folks who would
play professional golf and they weren't necessarily the top ten
(36:35):
in the country, but friends on the Senior tour, and
when when when they don't make the cut, they're they're
paying for their own travel, they're paying for.
Speaker 1 (36:45):
Their room and board.
Speaker 2 (36:47):
Uh. And it's great that a company like f will
do it. So again, if folks want to get tickets,
I assume you can get them the day off, but
it probably would be smarted to go to your website
and get them in advance. Tell us, give us the website.
Speaker 4 (37:00):
Get them now. FM Championship dot com, Dan, I hope
we see you out there. You mentioned not having an
opportunity to play there, so hey, you're welcome anytime with us.
But FM Championship dot Com hope to see everybody out
there again. Junior seventeen and under are free, as well
as current and former members of the military as well
(37:24):
as first responders, so no excuses. Get your tickets now.
We hope we have a great week. We're going to
put you in charge of the weather as well.
Speaker 2 (37:32):
No, well, I'm not the weather guy, so you got
to do that. But hopefully we've bumped a few. If
we have a lot of folks who listen to this show,
who love golf, love sports. I'm a big sports guy,
and I just hope some of my listeners will come
up to you some point say I heard your Night
Side on Wednesday night, and that's why I'm here. That's
all I hope. Thanks very much, Patrick. Great to make
(37:55):
an acquaintance over the radio with you. Thank you so much,
Thanks so much.
Speaker 4 (38:00):
Thank for having me on. Always good to talk a
little golf. And hope to see you again in a
couple of weeks. Thanks so much.
Speaker 2 (38:06):
Thank you. Patrick Keey. The guy that's in charge, he's
the top guy, he's the FM Championship Tournament Director. Back
on Nightside, and we're going to talk about transportation safety
in Boston and is it time to maybe bring a
lot of these newer type, smaller vehicles that are on
(38:27):
the sidewalks and in the crosswalks. Bring him under control.
Back on Nightside after this
It's nice eyes, Dan Ray, I'm going you easy Boston's
news Radio.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
We will definitely stay dry, well, we'll try to stay dry.
We may not stay dry because it may get wet. Hey, everybody,
welcome on in to a Wednesday night edition of Night Sime.
My name is Dan Ray. Here to stay with you
all the way until just before midnight. So we'll get
you all the way till about eleven fifty eight. We
(00:27):
have interesting guests, certainly interesting guests in the eight o'clock hour.
We have interesting topics that we will discuss with you
in the nine o'clock in ten o'clock hour. So before
we do that, let me mention that we will have
coming up tonight. We're as much we're in my notes here,
here we go. We're gonna talk about transportation safety in Boston.
(00:50):
There are a couple of ugly accidents a few days
ago in Boston. I was trying to find out today
whether or not the people who injured survived, and there
is very little information. We'll talk about that. We'll also
talk about later on tonight, the space crisis facing graveyards
and cemetery. So not necessarily the most uplifting topic, but
(01:12):
something that we must talk about before we do that. However,
I am delighted to welcome back a former state representative,
a rising was once still is a rising star in
the Democratic Party cabinet, secretary head of Agencies in the government,
and now she's the CEO of Triangle, my friend, Rachel Kaprillion. Rachel,
(01:36):
how are you tonight?
Speaker 3 (01:38):
I'm great, Dan, It's so nice to be with you.
It's nice to be on your show. And thank you
for bringing the news and all the debate you have
for all these years.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Well, thank you very much. I remember when we were
back at Soldiers Field and you would come over from
nearby Watertown and we would have a lot of fun
and a lot of laughs for an hour or so,
but also deal with serious topics. You were one of
my favorite guests. I want you to know that, even
though you're a Democrat.
Speaker 3 (02:05):
Okay, so well, thank you. I was actually at the
time because I could answer those registry questions that would
come our way from all over the state. So yes,
that was fun.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
Well, right, I remember. As a matter of fact, I'm
trying to figure out and I'm just going to ask
you a quiet question, why is it that we treat
these electric bikes and all of those vehicles, scooters and
things differently out on the roads. That's we're going to
talk about it at nine o'clock. But I'm just kind
of curious. Has that always been the way or have
(02:36):
there been ways in which all of the electric bikes,
the mopeds, the motorized scooters. My understanding that even these
that are used for commercial activity and the sort of
the door dash stuff, they don't have to have commercial insurance.
Even you don't have their insurance even when they're we're
driving stuff commercially. It's crazy. I don't want to put
you in the spot, but I'm sure you know how
(02:59):
complicated the red industry issues can be, and.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
Technology and these new vehicles often don't keep up with
sort of the rules and regulations of what are defined
as motor vehicles. But that's the broadway of saying it,
and I'm a little bit out of the detail of that.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
That's okay, I thank you. I think you said it well.
What you will be able to tell us about, of course,
is the great organization that you are now the chief
executive officer of, and that is Triangle, a great organization.
I knew it before you got there. And I'm sure
you've only made it better tell us about Triangle.
Speaker 3 (03:32):
Well, thank you, Dan, and I'm so proud to be
leading Triangle. And Triangle was founded in nineteen seventy one,
around the time when institutions were closing where people lived
who had intellectual disabilities and differences, and a number of
civic leaders from what was called the Triangle, which was Medford,
Malden and Everett, decided that they wanted to start an
(03:53):
organization and that would help first and foremost people with
disabilities get jobs. They were visionary and to include people
with disabilities in all walks of life and employment, in
community and recreation and anywhere that there are any people
doing anything that people with disabilities should belong. And since then,
(04:13):
the core of Triangle has still been empowerment and still
been helping people with disabilities get jobs. And I think
that in this day and age, we are far ahead
of where we once were and hopefully going even further
faster to include people of all types of abilities into
the work, into all workplaces.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
Well, not only that, but I think James Rojas, one
of our reporters, did a story about Triangle offering beach
equipment for people who have disabilities that can get them
on the beach and maybe even into the water. Tell
us about that.
Speaker 3 (04:49):
Yes, it was great to see Reporter Rojas at our
event we have co sponsored and co hosted for eight
years now, an event called Beach Abilities. And what it is,
simply put, it is a way for everybody to enjoy
a beautiful day at the beach and in the ocean.
I at the Constitution Beach right in Boston, and there
(05:09):
are sand wheelchairs, there are mobility mats, there are adaptive
kayaks and other adaptive wheelchairs, so that people with all
abilities can be on the sand and be in the
ocean and just enjoy a beach day as anyone else would.
And a lot of our participants were even from Massachusetts
and even from coastal communities in some cases and hadn't
(05:31):
been able to enjoy the beach as they did at
Beach Ability.
Speaker 2 (05:35):
That has to give you tremendous satisfaction. Again, I know
that as a member of the legislature and then as
the again having several positions are too numerous to mention
within the state government, you were someone who, really, I thought,
tried to help people. And what you're doing here with
triangle is specifically that you're helping people with disabilities become
(05:57):
more complete citizens and more complete darticipants in everything that
everybody should be involved in. This must give you a
lot of satisfaction to know that you're making a difference,
that you are making more of a difference now in
people's lives maybe than when you're in the state legislature.
Speaker 3 (06:15):
Well, it was a different way of contribution. And that's
really what it all comes down to is contribution. And
people with disabilities can contribute in innumerable ways if given
the right supports, the right opportunities, and you know, the
through line sort of my whole career, you know, has
been giving people opportunities and you know, for supporting legislation
(06:36):
that can do that, if the registerry and motor vehicles
like you know how you can sort of include adaptive
vehicles so people can drive, making sure that there's lots
of ways when you can accommodate to accommodate. And it
is I'm one person, but there are so many heroes
going back decades of inclusionary folks and who always wanted
(06:59):
to find ways to help people with disabilities live more robust,
meaningful and contributing lives, and I'm just standing on their
shoulders and appreciative for all that they have done, and
appreciative to the people who are younger who are used
to seeing people with disabilities in all walks of life,
who look at someone and wonder how they can. And
that's really what Triangle has done since nineteen seventy one
(07:21):
and what will continue to do today and into the future.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
So, now you're fifty four years old, not you personally,
but the organization is fifty four years old. How can
people help Triangle who may feel drawn to the cost?
What's the website? And I assume that the easiest way
to help is for someone still they still you still
(07:45):
accept checks? Okay, I assume we.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
Guys, we do.
Speaker 4 (07:48):
We do.
Speaker 3 (07:49):
We do an annual celebration. We do an annual golf
tournament that we just had on July twenty eighth. It
was fantastic on a beautiful day. And we also have
people who volunteer with us, people who and you know,
I would put rid of a shout out to our employers.
We've had so many employers who have worked with us,
and you know, our our staff and our participants to
help find a way for people to be better included
(08:11):
in jobs and to some great outcomes. So what I
would ask the listeners is this thing. If you work
at an organization, any organization, think about people who could
work with you, alongside you, and how we could help
accommodate you know, them being contributing members of society and
and uh and and employee and employees.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
So is it just Triangle dot org or what's the
easiest way in this day and age. We used to
give our phone numbers, but now everybody's got our website.
Speaker 3 (08:41):
Yes, is www dot Triangle dash Inc. I NC dot org.
And you can also just google Triangle Malden and our
organization will come up.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
Okay, I'll tell you one of those secrets. You don't
need that Www anymore. Not only is this for.
Speaker 3 (08:57):
It's true Triangle uh dot org perfect.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
Perfect. Rachel Caprilliant is always pleasure to talk with you.
Miss seeing you and thank you so much for the
great work you do for folks with disabilities at Triangle
wonderful organization. Thank you so much. Be well. Okay, when
we get back, we're going to talk about finding a
cure for als. Als has to be one of the
(09:24):
most vicious diseases in terms of it robs people slowly
but surely of their their abilities. If you've ever had
friends or colleagues who suffered from ALS, you understand what
I'm talking about. And we're going to be talking with
an ALS activist and an author, founding member of End
(09:47):
the Legacy, a nonprofit organization that works to support finding
a cure for ALS. We'll be back on nights side
right after a couple of brief commercial messages.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
N with Dan Ray on WBZ, Boston's news radio.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
I think all of us know about what is called
lou Gerrigg's disease ALS. Speaking with Mindy, your lob, Mindy,
I'm hoping I got your name correctly there. Your lob?
Is that what's pronounced?
Speaker 5 (10:18):
It's ear lob?
Speaker 2 (10:19):
But enough, okay, well now we'll get it right. Erlob.
That's okay, like er lob. Okay, fine. You're an ALS
activist and an author founding member of End the Legacy,
a nonprofit organization. What exactly is end the Legacy?
Speaker 5 (10:34):
First of all, and the legacy grew out of a
need that was not being met. And the legacy is
a group of people who carry genes that cause ALS
and STD, which is fronto temporal degeneration. The gene that
(10:55):
I carry is the C nine r F seventy two gene,
and it causes both amiotrophic lateral sclerosis and fronto temporal degeneration.
And so, you know, a lot of people have heard
of FTD, a lot of people have heard of ALS,
but there's this sort of intersection where we're not meeting
because only about ten to fifteen percent of people with
(11:18):
ALS are the genetic carriers.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
So does that mean that you are destined to contract
one of these diseases or both?
Speaker 5 (11:31):
You know, they used to think that that was the case.
You know when I started on this journey, when I
first was diagnosed as being a carrier in twenty eighteen,
I thought my chances of getting either ALS, FTD or
both was about ninety five percent. But recently there's research
that is showing that the gene that I carry is
(11:53):
potentially less penetrant, meaning that just because you carried the
gene doesn't mean you're going to develop the disease.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
So can everyone at a point in their life take
that genetic test or is that genetic test something that
is not readily available?
Speaker 5 (12:12):
Well, that's tricky. You really wouldn't want to take the
genetic test unless you have a family history of ALS
or FTD, or if you're showing signs of ALS or
FTD like muscle weakness, twitching, slurring your speech, that kind
of thing, and so you know you would You can
(12:34):
have a genetic mutation even though someone in your family
did not, but it's very rare to have, like what's
called a Dinobo mutation.
Speaker 2 (12:43):
I assume it's an expensive process to go through that
if someone just wanted to have their mind put at ease,
and of course if it comes up positive, that can
really mess with your mind as well. I assume there
are those considerations you have to at least think about.
Speaker 5 (13:00):
Well, I mean, it's not expensive if you if you
join a longitudinal research study. So that's the one thing is,
you know, it's free for people who join research and
you definitely wouldn't want to do it without consulting a
genetic counselor first.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
Okay, so you have written a book. You have a
novel about life in the Congo. But you also wrote
a book Last Nerve, a memoir of illness and endurance
of family. I assume that was not a novel.
Speaker 5 (13:33):
No, that's actually my own memoir, and it's about what
it was like being diagnosed as being, you know, a
carrier of a genetic mutation that causes you know, that's
fatal and and you know kind of what I was
going through at the time when I received that.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Okay, So if folks want to learn more about and
the legacy, there must be an easy website which which
can explain it in greater depth than we have time
to discuss.
Speaker 5 (14:08):
Yes, you can go to uh Endelegacy dot org. Or
you can go to my website which is mindy for
a lot of u hr l a ub dot com.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
Okay, and the book that's mentioned here your debut novel.
We don't talk in great detail about novels because obviously
people have no way to understand or relate to that.
But have you did you spend some time in the
Congo in order to write about life in the Congo?
Speaker 5 (14:39):
I did, actually, Yes, I spent close to a month
in the country, spread over two different trips, and that's
where I actually learned how to be an activist. So
became an activist for women in Congo and then took
that activism and brought it to the world of just
(15:00):
neic als, and did you go.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
There with the intention of becoming an activist or would
you just go there on on a trip and then
see things that unsettled you and and that led you
to activism.
Speaker 5 (15:15):
I read King Leopold's Ghost by Adam Hoakeshield, and it
changed my life, and I wanted to learn more, and
so I had I started reading lots of reports by
like Human Rights Watch and v DA, which is eve
Ensler's group, and I started realizing that things in Congo
(15:36):
now are really similar to the way that they were
under King Leopold of Belgium. So so I started writing
a story, like a biography of a girl who a
modern day girl who you know, overcomes adversity in Congo.
And I realized I really had no idea what I
was I mean, I knew what I was talking about
(15:57):
because I had done the research, but I I wanted
to know what the air felt like, and I wanted
to know, you know, what it smelled like and what
it looked like. And so I took testimony of girls
and women who were the victims of rape and torture
at the hands of militia groups, and it's funny because
it's that, you know, that taught me how to really
(16:19):
write from the point of view of somebody who's sure,
you know, living living in experience, and that's what helped
me write Last Nerve.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
And there still is a great deal of fighting and
killing going on in the Congo right now, and it's
so complicated those of us who don't who don't experience it,
it's difficult to tell even who the combatants are.
Speaker 1 (16:43):
It's so confusing, Yes, it is.
Speaker 5 (16:47):
And you know, sometimes people seem like the good guys
are not the bad guys, and vice versa.
Speaker 2 (16:52):
That's exactly what we're talking about. I mean to appreciate
your time very very much, but again it's the main
point that we want to talk about is your organization
and the legacy dot org. Thank you so much, many
appreciate it. Mindy Earlin, thank you so much.
Speaker 5 (17:10):
I appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
You're welcome. We get back. Going to talk to someone
I've known for a long time, Matt Brown. He is
a high school hockey player who suffered a life changing injury,
but he is actually doing so much for other people
who find themselves in that same set of circumstances. And
he has a Matt Brown Foundation team running in this
(17:34):
year's Phalmouth road Race, which is this weekend. We'll talk
with Matt Brown, who's a remarkable human being and a
dear friend. Right after the news at the bottom of the.
Speaker 1 (17:44):
Hour, it's Night's Eyes with Boston's News Radio.
Speaker 2 (17:51):
I'm about to introduce you to someone's been on the
show before. His name is Matt Brown, one of the
most extraordinary people I've ever met. He's a young guy,
thirty one, right, Matt, If I'm not mistaken, thirty one years.
Speaker 6 (18:03):
Old that is, and that you know, some books might
not say it's young anymore, but I still feel young.
Speaker 2 (18:08):
You bet you, you bet you well. You had a
horrific accident as a as a high school hockey player,
and the story of that accident, in your battle back
is in a book called Line Change, right, correct, Yeah,
And that's sort of a little double on Taundre there.
(18:31):
If anybody wants to read an inspirational book, go on
to Amazon and get Line Change by Matt Brown. Matt,
you have spent more than half your life confined to
a wheelchair, but that has maybe your body's been confined,
but certainly a spirit hasn't You have founded and worked
(18:51):
very closely with a dear mutual friend of ours, Jack
Daugherty of College Hype on the Matt Brown Foundation. Tell
us what the Matt Brown Foundation does, which to me
is extraordinary because it isn't there to help Matt Brown.
It's there to help other people who find themselves in
a Matt Brown type situation. It's extraordinary. Tell us about it.
Speaker 6 (19:15):
Exactly, Dan. So, you know, I was so lucky that
after I had my accident back in twenty ten, I
had a whole community in village rally behind me, and
that let me know that I wasn't going to need
to face this injury by myself. I was going to
have people I could lean on, people I could talk to,
people that would help me in ways that have gotten
(19:37):
me through high school and college. And so in later
years of after college, and as I was writing the
book Line Change, the idea and dream of having my
own foundation came up, and you know, we thought about
the Travis Royce Foundation, what they helped me through, and
I it truly just knew it was time for us
(19:59):
to be there for others. And so when we launched
the foundation in twenty twenty, it was to be there
to help individuals or families and groups you know that
are suffering, that have suffered spon awkward injuries, and of
course launching the foundation in twenty twenty was not easy
in the middle of a pandemic. But in the last
few years we've really really started to hit our stride
(20:22):
and the Foundations continue to grow. We're helping more and
more through bathroom ovations, home renovations, accessible vans and pieces
of home equipment.
Speaker 2 (20:34):
Unbelievable, just unbelievable. Man. So now this weekend is the
found with road race. You have along with your running
partner Lucas. You've competed in Boston marathons. Obviously you're in
a wheelchair and you basically travel the course like any
(20:57):
of the other runners. You were not participating in the
Falmouth road Race, but you have a team. I think yes,
of this morning it was twenty one runners who are
raising money, an extraordinary group for the Matt found Matt
Brown Foundation. Tell us what you hope to accomplish this weekend.
I'm sure you're going to be at the Falmouth road
Race and cheering them on.
Speaker 6 (21:20):
We are, and I believe this is truly one of
the best weekends on the Cape Falmouth just comes alive
this weekend. And like you said, we have twenty one
runners this year and the numbers for nonprofits group down
at Falmouth has raised over sixty three million dollars since
two thousand alone. It could be well more than that.
(21:41):
The film Throwers has truly become a massive, massive force
for nonprofits in the area. We're going to be down
there and this year is a super special year. We
have twenty one runners and some of them are the
family related, some of them are friends, and some of
them are complete strangers. And all of them have set
(22:04):
their goal at two thousand dollars and some have surpassed it.
Some are getting really close, and their efforts have you know,
allowed us to raise you know, almost forty thousand dollars
alone right now just at Balmouth. And you know, if
you go on and check our check out our page
on race roster and on our website, you know you'll
(22:27):
see that we have surpassed our goal already. But you know,
if there's anyone out there that you know, is is
is compelled by the store to donate. We sold a
few runners at Havn't you know, reached their goal but
are getting close and you know, any any little bit
counts and it continues to allow us to do what
we're doing for the for the paralysis community.
Speaker 2 (22:49):
So you will have twenty one runners, you'll have some
other runners who I guess I think you told me
there were four or five runners in the race who
are also going to contribute to the cost of the
Matt Brown Foundation. And if individuals are listening tonight, uh,
and they'd like to get more information about your foundation. Uh.
(23:11):
The easy way to get to these days is it's
got to be a website. I think I know what
it is, but I'd rather have you tell us so
I don't mess it up.
Speaker 6 (23:21):
You know, it's uh, it isn't crazy. It's the Matt
Brown Foundation dot org. And we have a bunch of
information on there. You know, you can learn how to
get involved. We have all of our events marathon, golf
tournament and fun with the road race. We have our
store where our good pal Jack Daugherty and College Hype
(23:41):
has all of our apparel. You know, line changes is
on and there and this where folks want to come
by in grab a copy of the book and you know,
dig a little deeper into the my story and obviously
there's a donate button and if we we we invite
anyone that can to donate and to help, you know,
(24:03):
continue to grow this cause and follow grow our mission
as far and as we can.
Speaker 2 (24:10):
Well, I know that I was talking to Jack Dougherty
today and I guess his son, Evan, who spent the
day teaching hockey along with PK Subiat, which is a
great NHL player, down at a rink in Quincy. He's
already got five thousand dollars lined up for his run.
So it sort of runs in the family, the Dougherty
(24:33):
family that they do great things for lots of different
people at college Hype and he introduced me to you
many years ago. And so what I want to do
is I will throw a thousand dollars. My contribution will
be in the mail to the Matt Brown Foundation on
IBL and I'll put it in honor of Evan Doherty
and so we can boost him up and maybe make
(24:54):
him the top fundraiser this weekend.
Speaker 6 (24:56):
Dan he is he's like you said that that family
goes above and beyond, and we are super super grateful
to have them in our corner.
Speaker 2 (25:05):
Uh.
Speaker 6 (25:06):
And then I I can't thank you enough for that.
This is really means a lot and I just can't
thank you enough for having me on and you know,
being a part of this village as we try and
grow it more and more.
Speaker 2 (25:20):
Well having you know, met you several times. I know
what what, what a courageous person you are to have
one dealt with the finality of the horrific you know,
spine injury that you suffered. I know your family stuck
with you. It's it's an incredible story. Anybody who wants
(25:40):
to read a book that's inspirational, and also anybody who
feels sorry for themselves at any point, you can't feel
sorry for yourself. After reading line change and realizing Matt
has turned this terrible moment, you know, there's just's just
a freak injury. Same as as with Travis Roy. You
hit the boy. It's just at the right speed, at
(26:02):
the right angle, and your life changes in an instant,
and you you know, a lesser person would have allowed
that to overcome and defeat him. You've triumphed over it,
and you've helped so many other people along the ways.
Speaker 6 (26:18):
And and you know that you know, life can change
in an instant, but we can't change the past. No
matter how much we want to. So it's time to
look forward, and you know, you know, and not look back.
And I think I've mentioned it to you before, but
you know, doors close all the time in our lives,
(26:39):
but just because one door closes doesn't mean they all close.
So it's our job to figure out and figure out
how we navigate this new world in front of us.
Speaker 2 (26:48):
Yeah. Well, you are certainly navigating the new world despite
all of the obstacles that you face. And I just again,
I'm honored whenever I have you on the program, and
I I wish your team the best of luck at
the Falmouth Road Race. It's it's a great fundraiser, all
sorts of good causes. I wish we could highlight every
(27:09):
cause at Falmouth, but this is one that I know
very well, and I know how much great work you've
done over the years. And again with the help of
Jack Darney at College, Hype and and his family and
twenty other runners, I know you're gonna have a great
weekend and and come, you know, come sometime. The race
is on Sunday, correct, if I'm not mistaken, it is. Yeah, Okay,
(27:31):
I just want to make sure we nailed it. And
is it a ten k? It's a ten k, right.
Speaker 6 (27:36):
It's it's a little bit more. It's it's it's seven miles, Okay, just.
Speaker 2 (27:40):
A little bit more. Six point six point two is
ten k, so it's probably eleven k. But but either way,
it's a little more. It's a fabulous, fabulous race. Matt,
thank you so much. We will talk again soon and
congratulations on all of your successes and your perseverance. Matt.
The Matt Brownfoundation dot org.
Speaker 6 (28:00):
Thanks Matt, damn, thank you, my pleasure.
Speaker 2 (28:03):
When we get back, we're going to talk about another sport,
women's golf. The LBGA Tours comes to on the wonderful course,
the TPC Course in Norton over Labor Day weekend with
a purse of four point one million dollars. It's the
largest outside any of the majors, the Tour Championship, and
we'll be talking with the championship tournament director Patrick Heey
(28:28):
right after this quick break on Nightside.
Speaker 1 (28:31):
It's Night Side with Dan Ray on Foston's News Radio.
Speaker 2 (28:36):
Big Golf Championship coming to our neck of the woods
on a l every day weekend. We have a lot
of sports up here. Football, Patriots, Red sox brewin Celtics,
but golf, which might be bigger in other parts of
the countries, has a foothold here in New England with
us as Patrick Heey, it's called the FAM Championship. He's
the tournament director at the TPC course out in Norton,
(28:59):
which is a great course. Never had a chance to
play that course, but everyone who I've I'm known, has
played it said it's fabulous. Patrick. My first question is
what does FM in the f M Championship stand for.
I looked everywhere and I couldn't find any reference to FM.
I hope it's not talking about that that other radio band.
We're on an AM station right here.
Speaker 4 (29:22):
Dan, Well, first of all, thanks for for having me
on to FMU stands for Factory Mutual Commercial Insurance Company
based in Providence, Rhode Island. So no, we're not, uh,
we're not cheating on you with an f M a
M reference for.
Speaker 2 (29:39):
Sure Mutual on your website. You should. They should get
you know, more prominent display. I still don't know what
TPC stands for in Norton, it's always the TPC golf course.
Oh you know, I figured some guy named you know,
Tony Paul something. But what is is what is TP
The players courses that.
Speaker 4 (29:57):
This is a yeah, this is a quiz now. CBC
stands for Tournament Players Club.
Speaker 2 (30:05):
TBC.
Speaker 4 (30:05):
Boston has a ton of history on the men's side
of the game, so be our second year in a
row out there. So I think us as an organization,
the LPGA Tour, we're incredibly proud to kind of break
down those barriers, you know, with the men's side being
so prevalent, so much history out there, So incredibly proud
(30:26):
to make this our second year in a row out
at the women.
Speaker 2 (30:30):
The women are catching up, that's for sure. Tickets available
this weekend. I assume you start on Thursday before Labor Day, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, right,
regular four day tournament exactly.
Speaker 4 (30:43):
Yep, So we're Thursday, August twenty eighth Sunday August thirty first.
Tickets are available at our website FM Championship dot com.
You know, we pride ourselves on being incredibly affordable, a
great way to kind of bring the whole family out
Labor Day weekend. Juniors under seventeen are free. Seventeen and
(31:05):
under free. We're also free to former and current US
military members and first responders, so a very approachable ticket
ticket product.
Speaker 2 (31:18):
Yep, you're good. You're going to get a crowd. What
how many folks do you think over the course of
the weekend you'll you'll have out there. I mean it
looks it sounds to me like you're going to have
quite a crowd.
Speaker 4 (31:32):
Yeah, we're hopeful to get about thirty thirty five thousand
people through our gates over the course of the four days.
I think our field is incredibly strong. All five of
this year's LPGA Tour major champions are in the field.
We're also headlined by the top two players in the
(31:52):
world Nelly Corda and Gino bitakun Is having just an
incredible year. The other highlights for us, just from a
field perspective, Megan Kang, brittany Al Tamari, and Alexa Pano,
all of which all of whom are Massachusetts natives. Alexa
Pano also sponsored by the New England Patriots. So cool.
(32:17):
Tie in to the local sports teams in the market. Again,
we're just we're so incredibly proud to be a part
of that sports fabric up in Boston.
Speaker 2 (32:25):
Now we've seen that women's basketball, the w NBA is
taking off in launch part because of you know, some
of the superstars in that league. There's also there are
other women's sports that have been going on for a
long time, tennis, but golf. Women's golf has has really
(32:49):
risen in the last I'm going to say the last
ten to fifteen years, remarkable rise in terms of its
presence not only on television, but on the sports pages
and you know, in local newspapers. What do you attribute
it to? I mean, first of all, these are tremendous golfers.
They hit the heck out of the ball. They they
(33:13):
You've got you've got a lot of great players, and
they do things that the average golfer couldn't even dream
of doing.
Speaker 4 (33:20):
Totally absolutely yeah, I mean I think it is I
think you said it. I think it's our our athletes.
I think having operated events on the PGA Tour, PGA
Tour Champion, I think the one thing that we consistently
see across our LPGA Tour athletes, it's just the approachability.
(33:42):
I mean, you're you're talking about the top athletes in
the world that are just incredibly approachable, and I think
that sort of carries down to the products. So whether
that's television or in person experience. I think you know
we're at you know, I don't even think we're at
the mountaintop. In terms of our growth. We are the large,
(34:06):
longest running women's sports organization in the world. This year
will mark our seventy fifth anniversary, but honestly, I think
we are just getting started. I think part of that
success is paved by companies like FM who support our products,
support our athletes, our perse at. This year's FM Championship
(34:30):
is one of the largest prize funds on the LPGA tour.
In fact, it is the largest non major, non tour
championship perse So I think it's companies like FM who
have a ton of corporate missions, but they're putting kind
of their money where their mouth is in terms of
supporting us as a product.
Speaker 2 (34:51):
And again, I know you said it's a providence company,
but for people who let's give it a little bit
of publicity. What is the name? What it's what is
it called? F FM stands for.
Speaker 4 (35:02):
One Factory Mutual and they're a large corporate property insurance company,
so they specialize and and and solely focused in that.
I'm not on their marketing team, so I'm gonna I'm
gonna stop there, but an incredible, incredible partner. I think
(35:28):
a few things that they've done for our athletes beyond
price fund. They're putting all the players up in a
hotel all week at no expense, So one hundred and
forty four athletes will stay in the market on FM,
no money out of pocket to them, so sort of
stress free. They're putting dollars in every player's pocket. So
(35:48):
if you know, there's a cut after Friday, so typically
half the field gets eliminated, they go home, they don't
get a paycheck. FM is actually giving those athletes a
miscut sipe end of a thousand bucks. They're providing dinners
for the players, They're providing laundry for the players. So
they've gone above and beyond just to make sure our
(36:09):
athletes feel comfortable and enjoy their time in a great
market like Boston.
Speaker 2 (36:15):
Well, that is so important. I mean that that really
spikes speaks highly of your sponsor. And it also helps
women take a little take the women players. Takes a
little bit of pressure off. Not everybody's going to make
the cut. U And I know some folks who would
play professional golf and they weren't necessarily the top ten
(36:35):
in the country, but friends on the Senior tour, and
when when when they don't make the cut, they're they're
paying for their own travel, they're paying for.
Speaker 1 (36:45):
Their room and board.
Speaker 2 (36:47):
Uh. And it's great that a company like f will
do it. So again, if folks want to get tickets,
I assume you can get them the day off, but
it probably would be smarted to go to your website
and get them in advance. Tell us, give us the website.
Speaker 4 (37:00):
Get them now. FM Championship dot com, Dan, I hope
we see you out there. You mentioned not having an
opportunity to play there, so hey, you're welcome anytime with us.
But FM Championship dot Com hope to see everybody out
there again. Junior seventeen and under are free, as well
as current and former members of the military as well
(37:24):
as first responders, so no excuses. Get your tickets now.
We hope we have a great week. We're going to
put you in charge of the weather as well.
Speaker 2 (37:32):
No, well, I'm not the weather guy, so you got
to do that. But hopefully we've bumped a few. If
we have a lot of folks who listen to this show,
who love golf, love sports. I'm a big sports guy,
and I just hope some of my listeners will come
up to you some point say I heard your Night
Side on Wednesday night, and that's why I'm here. That's
all I hope. Thanks very much, Patrick. Great to make
(37:55):
an acquaintance over the radio with you. Thank you so much,
Thanks so much.
Speaker 4 (38:00):
Thank for having me on. Always good to talk a
little golf. And hope to see you again in a
couple of weeks. Thanks so much.
Speaker 2 (38:06):
Thank you. Patrick Keey. The guy that's in charge, he's
the top guy, he's the FM Championship Tournament Director. Back
on Nightside, and we're going to talk about transportation safety
in Boston and is it time to maybe bring a
lot of these newer type, smaller vehicles that are on
(38:27):
the sidewalks and in the crosswalks. Bring him under control.
Back on Nightside after this
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