January 9, 2004

From hoops to heroes: Celtics recognize MGHer

At each Boston Celtic's home game, the basketball team honors an individual who has made exceptional and lasting contributions to his or her community with a special recognition called the "Heroes Among Us" award.

At half-time during the Jan. 7 Celtics versus Orlando Magic game, Atala Esquilin, a patient navigator for the Avon-MGH Breast Care Program at the MGH Chelsea HealthCare Center (right), received the award as she was cheered on by the enthusiastic fans.

The announcer described Esquilin as "the cornerstone of a premier program that provides support for the largely Latina community, ensuring that hundreds of patients have received the necessary tests, counseling and support services that they need for their health. Through her compassion and perseverance, Atala has assisted many of these patients in accessing care so their cancer was caught early enough to be successfully treated."