Spinning for a cure for dad: 24-hour event this weekend

Brian Messenger

Fifty minutes spent on a stationary bike will go a long way this weekend.

An Andover family, the Muccios, will host a 24-hour Spin-a-thon to benefit ALS research in honor of the father of their family, Fran "Mooch" Muccio of Hidden Road. He was diagnosed in 1999 with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Right now, he is under hospice care.

The Spin-a-thon will run from 9 a.m. Saturday through 9 a.m. Sunday, at Fitness Together in North Andover.

"Ten years ago, we didn't know what this was," said Fran's wife, Gina Muccio, of ALS. "It crept up on us and now we're trying to make a difference."

The Muccio children, Michael, 21, a 2005 Andover High School graduate, and Christina, 17, an AHS senior, have taken it upon themselves to raise money to help find a cure for ALS and support patients living with the disease.

"It's definitely been a way for me to adapt to everything," said Christina Muccio, in reference to her father's struggle with ALS. "Now we're taking action and I think it's a way for us to help out."

"They're both quiet leaders," said Gina Muccio of her children. "It's one way that we can help to make a difference. It's kind of hard to be in a situation where you are actually watching how this disease affects not just the person, but the family. It is a disease that really does deserve a lot of attention."

ALS is a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, limiting the brain's ability to initiate and control muscle movement, according to the ALS Association. Patients suffering from later stages of the disease can become totally paralyzed.

Organized in part by Muccio's wife and daughter, both of whom work at Fitness For You, the Spin-a-thon has a goal of raising $10,000 for ALS research, according to Elaine Schwager, owner of the Turnpike Street, North Andover, fitness facility.

"The big thing is, we're doing it, obviously, for the Muccios. We care about them a lot," Schwager said.

For a $25 donation, people can spin for 50 minutes, and those spinning are encouraged to collect pledges worth more. Food, drinks, raffles and a silent auction are planned for participants. The event is open to the public, and will include themed spinning hours, including a movie hour and pajama party. More than 20 sponsors have donated a total of $5,000 already, according to Schwager.

After meeting with the president of the ALS Association, Michael Muccio, a junior at Bentley College, will soon begin a business presentation to potential investors to create an independent housing complex for ALS patients in Chelsea.

"I've been looking at the finances and applying it to better the fundraising situation," said Michael Muccio. "It's a pretty good idea they've got going out there."

Christina Muccio has set up a Web site to raise money for ALS research for her senior project at Andover High School. She currently has raised $4,768 toward her personal goal of $6,000.

The 24-hour event will be held outdoors in the Fitness For You parking lot. About half of the 400 time slots available to spin remain avaialable, according to Schwager.

"Every cent helps," she said. "It's a positive way to raise some money. ... They'll get a nice workout in the meantime."

Gina Muccio said her husband is impressed with their kids' motivation to make a difference.

'They're both extremely self-motivated and proactive and loyal to their dad," she said. "He's amazed. He's in awe of them. Definitely proud. He's always been proud, but this is taking it another step."

"He definitely enjoys it," said Christina Muccio. "I think he likes to hear about it."

Though his father hasn't told him so, Michael Muccio said he knows his dad appreciates what his children are doing.

"I know deep down he really enjoys that we're trying to help," said Michael Muccio. "He knows this help might not help him, but it could help others in a similar situation and I think that means a lot for him.

"I think it's just brought us together a little bit more," he said. "Helping other people just kind of helps us in return."
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