PMC Family Team Has Raised Over $500,000 For Cancer Research

BOSTON (CBS) - The "Pedaling Paesans" represent one of the biggest family teams in the Pan-Mass Challenge. Seventeen family members either ride or volunteer, and it all started with the one man who wasn't born a Galluzzo.

Billy Hamilton is a 25 year PMC rider. He started riding the PMC in 1990 after his father died of cancer. "It's part of my DNA. It's part of who I am. I'm just honored to be a part of it," explains Billy.

Billy's passion for the PMC became a family affair when he married Carol Galluzzo. It took on even greater meaning when Carol's brothers, Tony and Joe, were both treated for stage 4 nasal cancer. After he finished his treatments, Joe decided to get on a bike for the first time in 50 years. This year will marks Joe's 4th PMC ride.

"Dana Farber saved my life and this is my way of now giving back," says Joe.

And this year, he's found another way. Joe's daughter, Amy, is joining him on the 192 mile bike ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown for the first time.

"Anyone can do it. You're finding a cure for cancer. You're basically pedaling for a cure, so it makes sense," says Amy.

Even the youngest Galluzzo's get in the fun by taking part in the PMC kids' rides. Since Billy's first ride, the "Pedaling Paesans" have raised more than $500,000 for cancer treatments and research at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. It's a real family picture of dedication, togetherness, and strength.