BOSTON -- Cyndi MacKinlay thought Wednesday's unique raffle at Fenway Park was the perfect chance to say thanks for her family's good fortune.

Her 12-year-old son, Andrew, was diagnosed with leukemia in 1998 and went through two years of chemotherapy and radiation before getting a clean bill of health.

Wednesday, the MacKinlays of Norwell, Mass., were chosen as the first Red Sox fans to purchase a $10 ticket in the club's Ring Raffle, with three lucky fans eventually receiving the same ring that was awarded to players at the home opener on April 11.

"It's awesome," said Andrew while holding the authentic ring up next to his smiling face. "The ring is huge. I think it's awesome that someone could win the same ring the Red Sox get."

Cyndi was proudly looking on as her son held raffle ticket No. 001 shortly after noontime Wednesday.

"That looks like a lucky ticket," she said. "I'd like to see him wear one of those someday. He's a baseball player, so you never know. He was a patient in the Jimmy Fund Clinic for a long time. This foundation has long supported many, many wonderful opportunities for these kids, so we feel very blessed to be here today."

All proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Red Sox Foundation.

"Andrew and I, anytime we're able to come back and support and promote the foundation, because he's been a recipient of so many good works, we're happy to do so," Cyndi MacKinlay said.

Beginning at noon Wednesday and continuing through 11:59 p.m. ET on July 3, all fans 18 and older, regardless of their state of residence, can purchase raffle tickets, either at the Fenway Park ticket office, or at designated kiosks at Fenway Park. For those 18 and older who live in Massachusetts, tickets can be purchased online at www.redsox.com.

"Red Sox Nation waited so long for this victory and has shared in the celebration in such a unique way," said Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner. "We felt it was only fitting to give three fans a chance to receive their very own rings on behalf of the millions of Red Sox faithful, while also helping children and families in need across New England."

Only 200,000 raffle tickets will be sold. The drawing will be held July 7 and will be televised live on NESN and simulcast on www.redsox.com. The rings will be presented to the three raffle winners at Fenway Park on July 14. For a complete list of rules, visit www.redsox.com or obtain a copy of the official rules from the Fenway Park ticket office.

The World Series rings that will be awarded to the three winners are identical in every way to those presented to Red Sox players -- the same make, model, materials and jewels -- and will include the winners' names engraved on the side just like the players' rings.

"A large part of what made winning so special was seeing what it meant to the millions of fans who have lived and died with this team for so long," said Red Sox right-hander Tim Wakefield, the longest-tenured member of the club. "I think it's great that three fans will have a chance to win their own ring while also supporting the Red Sox Foundation, a tremendous charitable cause."

The Red Sox Foundation has donated more than $8.5 million to non-profit programs in just three years, making it one of the fastest-growing and largest team charities in Major League Baseball. A registered 501c3 charity, the Red Sox Foundation was created in 2002 when the ownership group led by principal owner John Henry, Werner, President/CEO Larry Lucchino and their partners purchased the Red Sox. Their stated goal was to raise more than $20 million for charity over a 10-year period. By the end of their first year, the partners themselves had committed to provide more than $17 million to the Foundation over that 10-year period.