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Saturday's Row for the Cure at the Norwalk River Rowing Association is a family affair for Brian and Penny Nathanson. Both will be among the event's rowers, as will their daughter, 12-year-old Cali. Older daughter Marni is excused because she's away at school. Otherwise, it's all Nathanson hands on deck for an event that benefits the Connecticut affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. People interested in rowing can register online.
"I think the emotional part of rowing is just as important as the physical benefits," says Penny, who rows for the Saugatuck Rowing Club. "I find it to be a true mind-body sport."
The Nathansons started the event last year and raised nearly $7,000 with more than 100 rowers pulling their oars through the Norwalk River. This year, fundraising has risen 150 percent with fewer rowers. The Nathansons were moved to start the event after Brian's mother died of brain cancer.
"I felt so badly that there was nothing I could do for her; I felt so helpless," says Brian, a Norwalk chiropractor who rows with the NRRA. "Being a chiropractor, I was frustrated by my profession's lack of involvement in the cancer patient population. We traditionally don't treat them. I turned to Penny, and I said I wish there was some way I could make a difference."
Brian's work focus also changed. He started working more with women who survived breast cancer. He uses the Graston Technique, which detects and treats scar tissue to help breast cancer patients gradually resume active lives. "It's one to thing to work on a UPS driver and get him to feel better," Brian says. "You get a young woman who has survived breast cancer and help her regain the ability to hold her kid again, it's just amazing."
Row for the Cure started in 1994 with one event in Portland, Ore., that raised $1,500. Now, more than 20 communities host events that raise $300,000. The Nathansons are passionate about the event.
"We love rowing as a family sport and community service," Brian says. "The NRRA was founded by Norwalk pediatrician Dr. Norman Weinberger. It is the only not for profit rowing club in the region. They live and breathe community service. They want people to get up off the couch be part of a healthy, active community."
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