A Greenwich Workout and a Bake Sale for ALS

Sydney Petrone is a focused 10-year-old girl.

As her dad Greenwich Police Sgt. Roger Petrone suffering from Lou Gehrig's Disease, the rising sixth-grader is busy planning bake sales to raise money for research to find a cure for the disease, also known as ALS.

And on Sunday, the community can support Sydney and her father, who's now confined to a wheelchair because the disease has ravaged his body. Petrone, now 42, was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 36. 

Between 8:30 and 11 a.m., Sydney and her friends will be selling their tasty treats at Equinox gym on Old Track Road in Greenwich. It is there that Equinox instructor Harry Otto will teach two cardio classes in hopes to raise awareness and funds for ALS. Greenwich Police Lt. Rick Cochran, a close friend of Roger, will be among several officers participating in the benefit.

Sydney said she loves to bake with her mother Denise — her favorite creations are vanilla cupcakes, Rice Krispie treats and chocolate chip cookies. And the community apparently enjoy her efforts and those of a legion of her friends who also bake and help sell the desserts at various fund-raisers.

Sydney said she plans her bake sales around events organized by the ALS Foundation and people who work with ALS patients. At a June 29 bake sale, she raised $425. Vineyard vines hosted a benefit donating 10 percent of its sales on June 29.

"At Vineyard Vines we raised a lot of money — $425. Every item was a dollar but everyone donated more than a dollar," said Sydney, who will be attending Central Middle School this fall. "I think it is helpful because we can get more aides and daytime help" for her father, she explained.

Cochran and the police department have been very supportive of the Petrones, who live in Stamford, since his diagnosis.

"It’s incredible. The community and the Greenwich Police Department have done amazing initiatives with their efforts to help," said Denise Petrone. 

"This is a man who ran 4 miles a day, rode a motorcycle, was in top shape. It kind of brings everyone to reality — you never know what’s in store for you…he was recognized and well-respected," Denise Petrone said. "That’s why everyone wants to do as much as they can. It brings everyone to a whole different level to what we can do."

Denise added, "…everyone takes a minutes and says this was a special person and Sydney is a special child."