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Drive-by parade honors Saugus first responder
By Elyse Carmosino | April 24, 2020
SAUGUS — Friends surprised Saugus resident Stephanie Mastrocola Thursday afternoon with a drive-by parade held in the ICU nurse’s honor.
Under the guise of having her photo taken by Meghan Bierenbroodspot for the Sachem Strong Project (Saugus’ version of the Front Steps Project) Mastrocola was sitting in front of her home with her husband and son when she heard sirens in the distance.
“It didn’t dawn on me at all,” she said. “My husband’s like, ‘that’s for you!’”
More than 50 cars and emergency vehicles passed by the residence as friends waved, showing off handmade signs of support.
“When I saw all my friends coming up, car after car after car, I was so unbelievably touched. Words can’t even express how thankful I am for what they did today,” Mastrocola said.
A nurse at Brigham and Women’s hospital in Boston,
Mastrocola is known by many in the Saugus community for her work with Waybright Elementary’s Parent Teacher Organization and youth sports teams, as well as her occasional involvement helping with community relations for Wheelabrator Saugus.
Danielle Ferreira, a longtime friend, said she and others in the community wanted to show their appreciation for Mastrocola as she works on the frontlines in the battle against COVID-19.
“(We) just wanted to shine some light on the people who are first responders,” Ferreira said. “To (let them know) that we have their backs and that we support them in every way we can.”
Ferreira added that her friend spends much of her time thinking about others and making sure those around her are cared for.
“We’re just local moms in town who became really close friends. I see all that she does and what a hectic schedule she has,” she said. “She has a son in fifth grade at the Waybright and the double duties she does, it’s remarkable.”
Sachem Strong Project photographer and friend, Bierenbroodspot, said she was happy to help facilitate the surprise, which had been planned two weeks prior and was delayed several days due to rainy weather.
“I knew her family was definitely one of the ones I wanted to make sure got a family photo,” Bierenbroodspot said. “She’s never asked for anything for herself or her family and I know she’s working really hard during this time.”
Grateful for the love and support shown by other residents, Mastrocola praised her community.
“I couldn’t be more proud to be part of the town of Saugus,” she said. “There are some absolutely wonderful people here.”