The world is filled with organizations and foundations all fighting to better the world: climate change, human rights, education. Seemingly, the most critical and popular fight is the fight against cancer. A local organization that has been fighting this egregious fight for the past 14 years is the Reid R. Sacco AYA Cancer Alliance. This non-profit is driven by passionate, intelligent, self-less volunteers who have all lost a loved one to cancer. The Alliance is focused on the survivorship of adolescence and young adults (AYA), as it currently has clinics in Boston Children's Hospital, Tuft's Medical Center, and Connecticut Children's Hospital. The Alliance raises money to find cures for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers: cancers that are lacking in research.
This Alliance is named after and dedicated to Reid Sacco. Reid lost his 2-year battle with Sarcoma Cancer April 2005. He was the all-around American kid that everyone knew and loved. Reid could frequently be found up in Kennebunk, ME, sailing the seas or teaching young sailors the tricks of the trade. He was a National Honor Society graduate of Lynnfield High School and was on his way to Columbia University. Outside of school, Reid was an optimistic, fun-loving, enthusiastic beacon of light. His presence lit up the room. Reid left behind countless friends, loving grandparents, many cousins, devoted parents, and younger brother. This extraordinary man lives on in the fighters and the survivors.
In the wake of tragedy strength prevails. Annually, the main fundraiser for the Reid R. Sacco AYA Cancer Alliance is a 28-mile bike-a-thon, Reid's Ride, along the Northshore from Lynnfield to Gloucester. Held on the third Sunday of July, this year's Reid's Ride is Sunday, July 15th.
To learn more about the Alliance, to donate, or to register, visit the link below:
https://www.cancerinyoungadults.org/
This is an evil disease that must be defeated. We are getting closer to a cure, but everyday we continue to fight until no one has to feel this fear again.