Stacey Petrosino and her fellow RISE members plan to keep Marilyn Stregiel's memory near and dear to their hearts.
Petrosino, of Auburn, is a breast cancer survivor, and began an awareness group in Auburn called RISE several years ago.
Stregiel was also a founding member and group secretary, and in the years that followed, she became its unofficial “cheerleader,” attending numerous RISE functions and speaking publicly on the group's behalf.
Stregiel passed away quietly at her Skaneateles home in December 2006, after an 18-year battle with the disease, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of caring and selflessness.
Now, Petrosino and the other members of RISE will keep her spirit alive by honoring her memory for an entire weekend.
Stregiel will be recognized at both the RISE & RIDE for Breast Cancer on Saturday, Oct. 6, and at Sunday's Walk for Breast Cancer, both events set to take place in Auburn.
Saturday's ride is open to any motorcyclist, and will begin at noon in front of Harley's, on State Street.
The riders will take an afternoon tour around Owasco Lake, then return to Harley's for post-ride festivities.
On Sunday, the walk will take place from noon to 4 p.m., the activities being held in the parking lot on Lincoln Street adjacent to the downtown parking garage.
Petrosino, who serves as RISE president, said that honoring Stregiel is a no-brainer.
“Marilyn had a beautiful soul, so the very least we can do is hold (these events) in her honor,” she said. “She kept me strong - well, kept us all strong - and I can't think of a better way to use the strength she gave us.”
Saturday's ride, she continued, is in its third year, and is a return favor for the extensive fundraising efforts area bikers put forth on RISE's behalf.
“It's a way to give back to them, because the (bikers clubs) are so generous to us,” she said.
After the tour is completed, riders will convene at Harley's for food, beverages and a performance by the local band Alibi.
Petrosino said she will ride next to her brother, Jim Drancsak, who agreed to join in this year.
“Jim's going to be there to sort of 'hold me up,' because this is my first time to do it without Marilyn.”
What's more, both Saturday's and Sunday's events are free to enter, but Petrosino said the group will gladly accept donations from participants.
“That's something we started last year, and we call it 'Donations from the Heart,'” she said. “We hope anybody who wants to can participate... we'd hate for someone not to walk, or ride, because they can't afford to enter,” she said, noting that annual donations surpass the amount they would earn from entrance fees anyway.
Sunday is the sixth annual walk, she said. The day's festivities will begin at noon, and will include about 20 vendors who will sell food, crafts and other merchandise. Music will be provided by local DJ Jane Stebbins.
At 1 p.m., walkers will begin on Lincoln Street in front of the parking garage, then continue on Loop Road and Dill Street before returning to the garage.
“And I want to stress that everybody, including handicapped people, are invited,” Petrosino said. “There will be a whole lot going on, so anyone who shows up can take part.”
And throughout the weekend, Petrosino said that Stregiel's presence will be felt.
“I know she can't be here, but... a part of her will always be here, with all of us.”
If You Go
What: RISE & RIDE for Breast Cancer
Where: In front of Harley's tavern, State St., Auburn
When: Saturday, Oct. 6, noon
What: RISE Walk for Breast Cancer
Where: Lincoln St., parking lot adjacent to the parking garage, Auburn
When: Sunday, Oct. 7, noon to 4 p.m.
For more information, call Stacey Petrosino at 255-2612.
Stregiel was also a founding member and group secretary, and in the years that followed, she became its unofficial “cheerleader,” attending numerous RISE functions and speaking publicly on the group's behalf.
Stregiel passed away quietly at her Skaneateles home in December 2006, after an 18-year battle with the disease, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of caring and selflessness.
Now, Petrosino and the other members of RISE will keep her spirit alive by honoring her memory for an entire weekend.
Stregiel will be recognized at both the RISE & RIDE for Breast Cancer on Saturday, Oct. 6, and at Sunday's Walk for Breast Cancer, both events set to take place in Auburn.
Saturday's ride is open to any motorcyclist, and will begin at noon in front of Harley's, on State Street.
The riders will take an afternoon tour around Owasco Lake, then return to Harley's for post-ride festivities.
On Sunday, the walk will take place from noon to 4 p.m., the activities being held in the parking lot on Lincoln Street adjacent to the downtown parking garage.
Petrosino, who serves as RISE president, said that honoring Stregiel is a no-brainer.
“Marilyn had a beautiful soul, so the very least we can do is hold (these events) in her honor,” she said. “She kept me strong - well, kept us all strong - and I can't think of a better way to use the strength she gave us.”
Saturday's ride, she continued, is in its third year, and is a return favor for the extensive fundraising efforts area bikers put forth on RISE's behalf.
“It's a way to give back to them, because the (bikers clubs) are so generous to us,” she said.
After the tour is completed, riders will convene at Harley's for food, beverages and a performance by the local band Alibi.
Petrosino said she will ride next to her brother, Jim Drancsak, who agreed to join in this year.
“Jim's going to be there to sort of 'hold me up,' because this is my first time to do it without Marilyn.”
What's more, both Saturday's and Sunday's events are free to enter, but Petrosino said the group will gladly accept donations from participants.
“That's something we started last year, and we call it 'Donations from the Heart,'” she said. “We hope anybody who wants to can participate... we'd hate for someone not to walk, or ride, because they can't afford to enter,” she said, noting that annual donations surpass the amount they would earn from entrance fees anyway.
Sunday is the sixth annual walk, she said. The day's festivities will begin at noon, and will include about 20 vendors who will sell food, crafts and other merchandise. Music will be provided by local DJ Jane Stebbins.
At 1 p.m., walkers will begin on Lincoln Street in front of the parking garage, then continue on Loop Road and Dill Street before returning to the garage.
“And I want to stress that everybody, including handicapped people, are invited,” Petrosino said. “There will be a whole lot going on, so anyone who shows up can take part.”
And throughout the weekend, Petrosino said that Stregiel's presence will be felt.
“I know she can't be here, but... a part of her will always be here, with all of us.”
If You Go
What: RISE & RIDE for Breast Cancer
Where: In front of Harley's tavern, State St., Auburn
When: Saturday, Oct. 6, noon
What: RISE Walk for Breast Cancer
Where: Lincoln St., parking lot adjacent to the parking garage, Auburn
When: Sunday, Oct. 7, noon to 4 p.m.
For more information, call Stacey Petrosino at 255-2612.
