The battle continues
Fund-raiser fights leukemia
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Amherst Middle School Assistant Principal Lee Pierce and Principal Diane Klein show off the trophy their team won at the 2005 "Kick for a Cure." The second annual tournament will be held Saturday, Oct. 7 at Amherst High School athletic field to raise money for leukemia research.

To honor Roger Mazikowski's life and to support those still fighting leukemia, community members from the Amherst Central School District will "Kick for a Cure."

Within 20 months of being diagnosed with a form of acute leukemia, Mr. Mazikowski had lost the battle, passing away in March 2006.

His family and co-workers at Amherst Middle School were always there for him, including planning a kickball fund-raiser held in October 2005 to support the family.

Now, his supporters will come together again for the second annual tournament, where proceeds will benefit the Leukemia Foundations at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

The kickball tournament will be held rain or shine at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 at the Amherst High School athletic field, 4301 Main St. Six teams - high school, middle school, Windermere Elementary, Smallwood Elementary, students and the Mazikowski family will face off in the tournament. The middle school team will be vying to defend its title.

Mr. Mazikowski's wife, Emily, said the event is to honor her husband, as well as to help those still fighting the disease.

"I have a 3-year-old daughter, and it was very important to me to give her and myself and his family something to do in his name, in memory of him," Emily said. "And I wanted to raise money for leukemia research and give back to Roswell."

Mr. Mazikowski, who was a teacher at Amherst Middle School, stayed in Western New York throughout his treatments, which all took place at Roswell. Diagnosed in August 2004, he was in remission before being rediagnosed in September 2005.

The first tournament held one year ago had more than 1,000 people in attendance to help the family.

"It is really important to me that we make sure we continue to try and find some sort of cure for this horrible disease," Emily said.

Emily and co-chair Krista Jones, a teacher at Amherst Middle School, have planned a silent auction in addition to the kickball tournament. Refreshments will also be sold throughout the day, and face painting will be provided for children.

In addition to support from the Amherst Central School District, the Eggertsville Fire Department, where Mr. Mazikowski's father, Roger, is a member, will also be helping.

"Amherst has been absolutely amazing in supporting Roger, myself and our daughter, Sophia," Emily said.

Anyone interested in attending the event can e-mail emily maz@msn.com for tickets or information. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students and children and $12 for a family of four or more.

Donations can be made out to AMS Kick for a Cure and can be sent to 276 Sherbrooke Ave., Williamsville, N.Y. 14221.