Riders enjoy sunny Friends of Lynnette slow roll

Story and Photos by Alice Gerard

Senior Contributing Writer

In 1986, Lynnette Grisanti participated in the Empire State Games by running a marathon around Grand Island, said her daughter, Renee Fraser Gugino.

“I do not remember how she placed, but she was very happy she was able to finish it,” Gugino recalled of her mother, who died July 18, 1993.

On July 20, the 30^th Friends of Lynnette bicycling event and basket raffle was held. This event, which is part of Relay For Life, raises money for the American Cancer Society in honor of Grisanti, the mother of six children, and one of Gugino’s four children, Billy (Dec. 6, 1988-Feb. 15, 1989). Grisanti died as a result of breast cancer, and Billy died as a result of a malignant brain tumor.

This year’s event was a 12-mile slow roll along the West River multiuse trail that started at the Nike Base. There were 40 riders and 25 volunteers, who helped with the bicycling event and with the basket raffle (which featured 72 baskets).

“We had perfect weather for the ride. The sun shone on July 20, as I think everything went very smooth,” Gugino said. “People commented what a nice route the bike path was along the river. It makes me happy that people and my family come out to remember my mom and son, even after all the years since they passed. It was a wonderful celebration.”

In the past, a variety of bicycling events have been held to remember both Grisanti and Billy. These events included a 22-mile tour and a 10-mile tour.

“The first ride was a group of my mom’s friends that rode in her memory on the first anniversary of her passing,” Gugino said. “The next year a group of us decided to make it an organized ride and a fundraiser for Roswell Park in memory of my mom and son.”

Previous recipients of funds that were raised during the bicycling events have included Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Friends of Children with Cancer Fund, Carly’s Club, and cancer research.

Bicyclists begin the slow roll at the Nike Base.