Why I PMC - Dana Canzano

Guest blog by Dana Canzano

It started in 1994 when I was 25 years old. Before there was Lance Armstrong, there was John Kruk of the Philadelphia Phillies who was the public face of testicular cancer.  One day, out of the blue, my twin brother Stephen announced, “I’m the next John Kruk.” Twenty-five years old, and testicular cancer had entered his life. My brother can now claim to be a 2-time cancer survivor.  

Having worked in downtown Boston and having co-workers run the Boston Marathon, I decided to run the 100th Boston Marathon in 1996 in honor of my brother through the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge, and I continued to run for DFMC for 8 years. I had a fabulous time but one of the things I remember most were two guys at mile 17 in Wellesley with PMC jerseys on handing out PowerBar samples. That was the very first time that I heard of the PMC; and the impression it made on me was of enthusiasm and kindness. The following August, I volunteered for the luggage crew out of Sturbridge, and some 4+ years later, I took on the role of luggage leader for Sturbridge, Mass Maritime Academy, and Provincetown Inn. Between the three sites, I help lead 200+ volunteers responsible for moving over 50 tons of luggage. 

Over the last three years, my wife and two daughters have volunteered out of Sturbridge as part of rider registration, and my son James ‘goes the distance’ with me from Sturbridge to Provincetown. 

Why do I do the PMC? The weekend is like no other. Fifty tons of luggage is quite an undertaking but I have met so many great people, whether volunteers or riders. A number of volunteers have been on my crews for over five years, and they too have brought their children into the fold. I've met and become good friends with a number of riders who having been riding the PMC far longer than I've been volunteering. I would suggest that the PMC is like summer camp. So many familiar faces, some names I've forgotten, but as soon as the first weekend in August comes around, we are all great friends. 

Why do I do the PMC? I've had too many friends and extended family members who have been affected by cancer. I do this for Stephen, Dan, Mary Lynne, Bill, Tim, Ellen, Patty, Dorothy and so many more. 

Why do I do the PMC? Because I believe in a cure.