Resident to run marathon for child
Benefit planned for Oct. 27
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

Katie Weisser

Williamsville resident Katie Weisser has always enjoyed volunteering and working with children.

Two years ago she contributed her time at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and then donated her hair to Locks of Love, a not-for-profit organization that makes wigs for children with long-term hair loss.

Her dedication didn't stop there, however. Weisser decided to take the next "step." She is training for a marathon at Walt Disney World. The 26.2 mile run will benefit The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

"If you're going to do a marathon, you have to do it for a good cause," she said.

Weisser trains with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training Program, which sets up a schedule for the athletes to follow in preparation for marathon day.

She is also responsible for raising $4,000 to benefit cancer research.

Her run is dedicated to Ryan Dinnocenzo, a 7-year-old Hamburg resident who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in April 2003. He is currently in remission and going for checkups at Children's Hospital. The sponsorship was set up through the Team in Training Program.

Weisser wears a wristband with Dinnocenzo's name on it to keep her motivated. Every day starting at 5:30 a.m., Weisser trains for the marathon, and her family is instrumental in her quest.

Her father, Al Weisser, follows her on the trails - either by bicycle or car - so that she isn't alone on the early-morning jogs. She then student teaches at Glendale Elementary School.

"He's (Dinnocenzo) so cute," Weisser said. "Oh my gosh, I just love him."

Weisser said she met Dinnocenzo one time, and she considers him the real hero.

"If not for him, I wouldn't have the motivation to do all this," she said.

The marathon is Jan. 7, and Weisser hasn't yet reached the target fund-raising total of $4,000.

"Running isn't the hardest part because I have always been athletic," she said. "Fund raising is the hardest part."

Weisser will host a benefit from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27 at the Village Glen Tennis and Fitness Club. Advanced tickets cost $20 until Oct. 22. Tickets cost $25 at the door. Call Weisser at 632-8966 or 435-9074.

A Chinese auction will be held, and prizes will include an autographed Michael Peca hockey stick, a bed and breakfast getaway at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Buffalo, and restaurant gift certificates.

Weisser said the experience has made her feel like a different person.

"It's made me realize there is so much more out there for people to help others," Weisser said. "You can make time. Kids touch my heart - this is just wonderful."

For more information, visit www.active.com/ donate/ tntwnyfl/ KWeisser.

e-mail: JSchmelzer@beenews.com