Community Corner

Hammond High Grad Who Died of Cancer Honored in 5K

Friends raise money for Make-A-Wish Foundation in memory of Michael Panzera, who had a wish fulfilled by the organization.

When Michael Panzera was battling the brain cancer that eventually took his life, he had a dream fulfilled by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

A longtime fan of "The Simpsons," Panzera was flown to Los Angeles, where he visited the set of the popular animated comedy and met writers and many of the actors who give their voices and personalities to the show's characters.

Panzera, who was diagnosed with brain cancer while a junior at Hammond High School, died at 19 in August 2005, the summer after his freshman year at the University of Maryland.

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The aspiring special education teacher died before he could fulfill his own dream of helping others, but his friends and family members are committed to that goal in his name.

To honor Panzera's memory, and to raise money to help fulfill the wishes of others, the Mike Panzera Foundation will hold the third annual MPIZZLE 5K race and after-party on Saturday, Nov. 5.

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"Mike was a great guy and a great friend," said Greg Giroux, a friend since elementary school. "He was always there if you needed something, he was enthusiastic and he had lots of friends."

A soccer player in high school, Panzera in his junior year began to experience headaches and tired quickly.

When the headaches began to affect his vision, he went to doctors who found the tumor, according to Giroux.

Panzera had surgery to remove the growth and was eventually able to return to school.

"He was incredibly resilient," Giroux said. "He was feeling lucky for what he had, instead of sad for what he didn't have."

With the cancer in remission, Panzera went to Maryland in the fall of 2004.

But by the end of his first semester, he experienced some symptoms that signaled the return of the tumor.

Recognizing what a good friend Panzera was to many, Giroux and other friends pay tribute to that energy and caring by holding the race and after-party, dubbed "Kegs for Cancer."

There is no registration fee for the race, but donations are accepted.

The after-party, scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at Sonoma's Bar and Grille, costs $20 at the door. Admission includes a $5 drink token and happy hour specials for the duration of the event.

"We donated just shy of $7,500 to Make-A-Wish last year and we're hoping to top that this year," Giroux said. "Anybody that comes is welcome — they don't have to sign up in advance."

Event details:

MPIZZLE 5K race, Saturday, Nov. 5

9:30 a.m. race registration at the Hammond High School track

10:30 a.m. Race begins

1 p.m. Kegs for Cancer after-party at Sonoma's Bar and Grille
    Admission is $20

Information: mpanzerafoundation@gmail.com


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