Published in the July 18, 2018 edition

LYNNFIELD — Overcast but bright skies softened the mid-July sun, making for cool temperatures and a perfect day for a challenging but scenic bike ride.

Nearly 400 cyclists set out from Lynnfield High School on Sunday, July 15 for the 14th annual Reid’s Ride 28-mile journey. The theme for this year’s event was based on the popular sci-fi television series “Star Trek” and its many relevant catchphrases such as Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s proclamation “that things are only impossible until they’re not.”

THE HARD WORK AND DEDICATION of the top fundraising teams helped Reid’s Ride raise $215,000 for the betterment of adolescent and young adult cancer patients.(Courtesy Photo)

“Now in its 14th year, Reid’s Ride is indeed making possible what others considered impossible in improving the care, treatment and outlook for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer,” said Lorraine Sacco, the organizer of Reid’s Ride.

Cyclists were guided along the 28-mile open-road route by balloons, arrows, water stations, a rest stop, mile markers and posters while remembering the life and legacy of Lynnfield High School graduate Reid Sacco. Cyclists were then cheered across the finish line at Gloucester’s seaside Stage Fort Park by more than 800 Reid’s Ride volunteers, supporters, family and friends. All were treated to a barbecue, refreshments, raffles, prizes, music, presentations, relaxation tents and sponsor giveaways.

Information tents for the Reid R. Sacco Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Programs at Tufts Medical Center and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center fielded questions about AYA cancer and illuminated the vital role that Reid’s Ride has played in launching two of the earliest and most innovative AYA Cancer Programs in the country.

Fundraising results

CYCLISTS make their way out of the Lynnfield High School parking lot and begin the 28-mile journey to Stage Fort Park in Gloucester during the 14th annual Reid’s Ride on July 15. The event raised $215,000 and featured nearly 400 riders. (Courtesy Photo)

The 2018 Reid’s Ride raised more than $215,000 to fight the cancers striking Adolescent and Young Adults. Sacco anticipates the fundraising total will 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.

More than 400 riders and 45 teams participated in this year’s Ride. Taking honors for the top fundraising teams were “We Can’t Stop” ($15,111); “Danvers Diehards” ($14,950); “Rotary (Lynnfield) Riders” ($10,834); “Team Honeybadgers” ($9,155); “Firefighters Fighting Cancer”($8,192); “Beverly Rockin’ Rotarians”($7,735) and “North Shore Smiles” ($7,356).

Taking honors for the top fundraising individuals, many of whom held fundraising events, were Paula Parziale ($8,528); Meredith Nash ($8,470); Liz Joyce ($7,960); Patrice Fogg ($4,885); Jacqueline Rapisardi ($4,596); Jane Greeno ($3,271); Kevin Connolly ($3,133); Stacy Abbatessa ($2,820); Frank Sacco ($2,480); and Mike Marra ($2,289).

Director’s message

Sacco highlighted the importance of everyone’s devotion to fighting AYA cancer by reading an especially relevant and moving Facebook post from one of the day’s riders, April Bailey. This was Bailey’s second time riding in Reid’s Ride in memory of Heather Bent, a young adult who lost her life to cancer at age 22. A physician assistant, Bailey was a member of the medical team that diagnosed Bent’s cancer.

Bailey continued to visit Bent and recalled the moment when Bent told her, “Even if all the drugs and treatments they are giving me don’t work to save me, I hope it’s helping them figure out what will work for someone else, and that it’s one step closer to finding a cure.”

Bailey went on to write, “I am honored to ride in memory of Heather and her selfless spirit and beautiful soul, as well as being a part of the efforts to raise money for continued clinical research, clinical trials, and specialized treatment programs to work toward a cure for this awful disease.”

Sacco agreed with Bailey’s sentiment.

“Never forget why we are gathered here today, or why we ride,” she said. “We ride for Heather and so many other young adults we’ve lost to cancer. We ride so that we may make possible a cancer-free future for the next generations of AYAs. This is why we ride!”

Guest speakers

Ann-Margaret Ferrante, state representative for the Cape Ann District, presented a citation to the 14th annual Reid’s Ride from Gov. Charlie Baker.

The citation read, “On behalf of the citizens of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, I am pleased to confer upon the riders, volunteers, donors and sponsors of Reid’s Ride this governor’s citation in recognition of your steadfast devotion to fighting adolescent and young adult cancer.”

Jeffrey Roy, state representative for the 10th Norfolk District and vice chairman of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, presented another citation to Reid’s Ride from the Massachusetts House of Representatives. The citation stated, “In recognition of your 14th annual Reid’s Ride and for your dedication and devotion to fighting adolescent and young adult cancer.”

Ferrante has been an instrumental supporter of Reid’s Ride since its inception in 2005. Roy endearingly shared the story of how Sacco captured him after a presentation he made at a recent meeting of the American Cancer Society, and how her story inspired him to ride this year in his first Reid’s Ride.