Published July 8, 2020

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — Due to the ongoing COVID-19 virus pandemic, the 16th annual Reid’s Ride will be virtual this year.

The Reid’s Ride bike-a-thon has been a popular North Shore tradition for the past 15 years. The annual bike trek raises funds for the Reid R. Sacco Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Alliance and serves as a tribute to the life and legacy of Reid Sacco. Reid was a Lynnfield High School graduate who passed away in April 2005 after a courageous two-year fight with sarcoma.

Funds raised from Reid’s Ride are used to support new treatments for adolescents and young adults fighting cancer in hopes of finding a cure. The 15th annual Reid’s Ride raised $205,000.

Instead of the usual bike-a-thon that departs from Lynnfield High and ends at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, this year’s event is virtual. Reid R. Sacco AYA Cancer Alliance Executive Director Lorraine Sacco said participants of any age can undertake any activity in order to raise money for the alliance. She said the theme of this year’s ride is “stronger together while we’re apart.”

“You can choose any activity you want and do it anyplace and anytime between now and July 19,” said Sacco. “It can be a bike ride or it can be spinning, walking, exercising, surfing, skateboarding or walking your dog. No matter what kind of activity you choose, it qualifies as your very own ride.”

Sacco noted registration is free this year and the traditional fundraising minimum has been waved. She said participants can decide how much money they want to donate.

“We do ask all registrants to make a donation of any amount,” said Sacco. “We encourage all registrants to ask friends, family and colleagues for a small donation to support your commitment to saving the lives of AYAs diagnosed with cancer. If you make a donation of $50 or more, you’ll receive an event T-shirt. This year’s T-shirt will be a special and will commemorate the unique spirit with which the nation has unified itself during this unprecedented global health emergency.”

Sacco said the alliance wants to raise as much money as possible this year because youths diagnosed with cancer “need help more than ever this year.” She noted cancer patients have compromised immune systems, which makes them at-risk for COVID-19.

“Cancer does not quarantine,” said Sacco.

Sacco also recalled that the alliance donated three bicycles to the Doresca family last month. Wilma Doresca passed away from COVID-19 on April 29 at the age of 47. She left behind three children: Mayissa, Annabel and Nathan. Wilma’s sister, Vayola Doresca, is now the children’s guardian.

“The Doresca family volunteered at last year’s 15th annual Reid’s Ride,” said Sacco. “This year, Mayissa, Annabel and Nathan wanted to ride bicycles in honor of their mom. But none of the children owned a bicycle, so we reached out to the Reid’s Ride community. Within hours of putting out the call for bicycle and helmet donations, word had spread quickly and offers came flooding in. We cleaned and tuned three of the donated bikes and delivered them to the Doresca family. Mayissa, Annabel and Nathan were thrilled and so thankful. Within minutes, they were down at the local playground practicing their riding skills until dark.”

Sacco noted the global pandemic has caused a severe economic downturn, and she encouraged residents to seek smaller donations from “as many contacts as possible.”

“Take advantage of the website’s fundraising page feature,” said Sacco. “It’s easy to create an individual or team fundraising page and send it to colleagues, family and friends via email, Facebook or Twitter. When you register, you will be shown how to create and send a fundraising page. For 15 years, it’s been an easy and effective way for our riders to raise funds for the mission of Reid’s Ride.”

Sacco said residents have the opportunity to complete their ride from now until July 19.

“You can choose to walk 28 miles, seven miles at a time, between now and July 19,” said Sacco. “Or maybe you’ll set a goal to do 24 sit-ups a day for one week. Or bike ride the classic Reid’s Ride route alone or with your team.”

In order to register for this year’s virtual Reid’s Ride, visit https://www.cancerinyoungadults.org/events.