HUMAN

Name: Sylvia Maiellaro
Age: 70
Residence: Anchorage, Alaska
Occupation: Semi-retired

Years involved with Iditarod: probably 6-7 years.
Iditarod Role: Generally I work or volunteer in the communications and statistics.
Current Location: AIRLAND TRANSPORT WAREHOUSE – ANCHORAGE
Date of Photo: FEBRUARY 21, 2020
Temperature: 64 F inside

What, who or how and when did you first get involved with the Iditarod?

I got introduced into the Iditarod when I first moved here in 2006. A friend of mine took me downtown to see the ceremonial start and I was sorta hooked. But at the time I was working so many jobs that I could not volunteer. But about six to seven years ago I started volunteering for it in communications and statistics and here in the warehouse doing the mushers’ food and dog drop, and then packaging, obviously, for the checkpoints. And finally paid my dues, and now I very happily get sent out to the different checkpoints. I’m going to Galena this year. I’ve been to Anvik, Safety, and when I was a non-volunteer, I was at Unalakleet and McGrath just helping out ’cause I was able to get out there.

What is your Why?.. Why are you here today and involved in Iditarod?

I’m here helping out today and still involved with Iditarod just because it’s such an incredible race, I guess. Such an event. I can’t imagine what the mushers and the dogs go through out in the bush. I just think it’s absolutely remarkable and I wanna do everything that I can just to help make their lives easier when they come into the checkpoints.

Tell me about just one of your most memorable Iditarod experiences?

One of my most memorable Iditarod experiences was two years ago when I was the lead out in Safety, and Mr. Laniard had that episode out in that, I think they call it, the Blow Hole, where he got stuck in a storm. And he was rescued and brought into the Safety checkpoint. And everything that went on to support him was just amazing. And it was in my memory forever.

What do you know for sure?:

What I know for sure in life is, that, I think this race is a good example of how people have to consistently and constantly help each other out and just show kindness.