Published July 24, 2019

LYNNFIELD — Last weekend’s heat wave did nothing to discourage cyclists, supporters and volunteers from participating in the 15th annual Reid’s Ride bike-a-thon on Sunday, July 21.

Warnings from forecasters about the near-record-setting temperatures for Sunday did not stifle the enthusiasm and commitment of the close to 300 riders and 150 volunteers. In spite of the weather, the bike-a-thon’s turnout was as inspiring as ever.

While other area outdoor events were canceled or postponed because of the high temperatures forecasted for Sunday, Reid’s Ride went on as scheduled. Organizers took extra precautions to protect riders from the warmer-than-normal temperatures. The Reid’s Ride Safety Team began its day early at the starting line at Lynnfield High School, advising riders to hydrate before setting out and to take advantage of the extra supplies of ice and bottled water that were available at the starting line. Additional “chase teams” equipped with extra ice and bottled water patrolled the route. The number of fully stocked water and ice stations along the route was doubled. Several kind residents along the route took it upon themselves to provide “misting” stations for passing Reid’s Ride cyclists.

DUNKIN’ OFFICIALS present a $31,000 check to Reid’s Ride Director Lorraine Sacco after the 15th annual ride concluded at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester on July 21. The fundraiser raised more than $205,000 this year. From left, Jim Fitzgerald, Sacco, Jen Bonugli, Arianna Bonugl and Maryann Colletta. (Courtesy Photo)

The 15th annual Reid’s Ride raised more than $205,000 to fight the cancers striking adolescent and young adults. The fundraising total is expected to increase, as additional donations to teams and individuals as well as company matches continue to come in during the next several weeks. The Reid’s Ride website will remain open until October so that supporters can make post-event tax-exempt donations to their favorite teams, favorite riders or to the event itself.

The top fundraising teams were Danvers Diehards ($14,233); We Can’t Stop ($13,399); Firefighters Fighting Cancer ($6,037); Beverly Rocking Rotarians ($5,917); North Shore Smiles ($5,425); Friends in Texas ($5,075); Team Cleo ($3,320); Team Always Sonny ($2,910); Team N.H. ($2,740); Lynnfield Rotary ($2,525); and Lynnfield Moms ($2,415).

The individuals who raised the most during the 15th annual Reid’s Ride were Liz Joyce ($13,070), Meredith Nash ($8,116), Jeff Corbett ($5,117), Jacqueline Rapisardi ($4,642), Weston Sacco ($3,574), Mike Marra ($3,251), Jane Greeno ($2,621), Joey Fogg ($2,440), Kevin Connolly ($2,010) and Lisa Blount ($2,000).

The annual fundraiser honors the life and legacy of Reid Sacco, a Lynnfield High School graduate who passed away at the age of 20 in April 2005 following a courageous two-year fight with sarcoma. The funds raised from the 15th annual Reid’s Ride will be donated to the Reid R. Sacco Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Alliance, which funds new treatments for adolescents and young adults (AYA) fighting cancer in hopes of finding a cure.

“There is more work to do, especially in closing remaining gaps faced by this underserved population of cancer patients,” said Reid’s Ride Director Lorraine Sacco, Reid’s mom during the ride. “That is why the theme for this year’s ride was, ‘No More Loose Ends for AYAs diagnosed with cancer.’ Reid’s Ride continues to stand by its pledge to make sure that no AYA cancer patient will be denied access to the specialized care, breakthrough therapies and access to clinical trials they so badly need. Reid’s Ride continues to pursue its mission to make certain that all AYAs battling cancer are given every chance possible to survive and thrive and to resume a normal trajectory of career, family and living life to its fullest.”

A powerful message

After riders complete the 28-mile trek from LHS to Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, Sacco drove home the importance of fighting AYA cancers by introducing members of several families who had recently lost an adolescent or young adult to cancer at the park’s gazebo. A spokesperson from each team shared their reasons for participating in this year’s Reid’s Ride.

Team Lynnfield Moms Group spokeswoman Sarah Kelley shared a personal story. The team also features Erin Denehy, Maggie Kenneally and Bill Leahy.

ALWAYS SONNY TEAM MEMBERS, from left, Stephen Connolly, Pat Lamusta and Kevin Connolly approach the finish line at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester during the 15th annual Reid’s Ride on July 21. The team has honored the life and legacy of the late Benjamin “Sonny” Tropeano during the last several rides. (Courtesy Photo)

“In February of 2017, my then 14-year-old cousin, Maya Handler, was admitted to the hospital with flu-like symptoms,” said Kelley. “Two months later with persistent symptoms, it was determined that Maya had rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. This type of sarcoma occurs in approximately 1 percent of all children affected by cancer and affects the soft tissue in the body. Maya fought her battle with more bravery, grace and positive attitude than anyone I have ever met. This past January, just months before her 16t birthday, my dear cousin lost her battle. Having lost Maya this year and having both my parents be cancer survivors, I know how deep this horrid disease runs. This year, I ride for those like Maya who cannot, for those fighters like my mom and dad who pray for clean yearly pet scans, and for our future generation like my two daughters who I hope never to have to endure by this awful disease. There is a cure. We will find it, and efforts like Reid’s Ride help us get to that day where we will find a cure even faster.”

The Lynnfield-based Always Sonny team, which featured spokesman Kevin Connolly, Steve Connolly and Pat Lamusta, paid tribute to their late friend Benjamin “Sonny” Tropeano. Sonny passed away at the age of 10 in July 2015 following a battle with T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.

“We will always remember Sonny and his great attitude, infectious smile and warm heart,” said Kevin. “Sonny’s life would seem short to most, but to those touched by his warm and gentle ways say Sonny had a deep understanding of people that far exceeded his age. His contagious smile that shone bright like the sunniest of days was freely offered to everyone and would immediately lift you up if you were down. His five older siblings affectionately called him ‘everyone’s little brother.’”

Sacco told the crowd that stories such as Maya and Sonny’s are the reasons why Reid’s Ride is held each year.

“We ride so that we may make possible a cancer-free future for the next generations of AYAs,” said Sacco.