Gelatin Splash
Sliding for a cure
by DARLENE M. DONOHUE Reporter
As the saying goes, "There is always room for Jell-O." At least that's how some of the participants feel about sliding into a pool of gelatin during The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's 19th annual Gelatin Splash.

Since Forrest Weaver was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease seven years ago, he has been a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Gelatin Splash participant and top earner for the event. The announcer, right, is Sue O'Neal from Star 102.5.

"This event continues to generate enthusiasm, publicity, and a great awareness of leukemia, lymphoma, the blood cancers and organization," said Luann M. Burgio, the organization's deputy executive director.

The Gelatin Splash will help raise the needed funds to support leukemia, lymphoma and blood cancer research, local patient aid, advocacy, education and community service programs in Western New York.

According to Burgio, the event has earned more than $1.2 million over the past 18 years.

"Splashers are asked to obtain a minimum of $300 in sponsorship money to slide into 1,000 gallons of gelatin in honor of a local leukemia, lymphoma or cancer patient," she explained.

Splashers such as this woman from last year's Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's annual Gelatin Splash, are encouraged to wear costumes as part of a contest that takes place during the event.

Mill Middle School will be well-represented at the event with eight of its faculty members - Tracy Pettersen, Rebekah Reitmeier, Jody Geraci, Richard Smith, Melissa Mason, Tara Barbalato, Jackie Richards and Debra Johnson - prepared to take the plunge.

Pettersen said the teachers earned their money to participate by collecting donations from the students. She said the teachers would stand outside their classrooms, holding a can and asking the students for money.

"With help from the students, we raised more than $2,500," noted Pettersen. "We're excited, because the money is for a local organization ... It feels great to give back to the community."

Kenmore resident Forrest Weaver will be participating in this year's event, as well. He has been raising money for the Gelatin Splash since he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma six years ago.

Weaver said that once he found out about it, he's been splashing ever since.

"All money raised stays in the Buffalo area. "It's just a great organization," said Weaver. "I don't run, jog, swim, or walk, so it's an easy way to raise a lot of money for a good cause, and it is not too much physical exertion."

For the past two years, Weaver has been the top fundraiser, raising $12,000 last year and $10,000 the year before. This year, he hopes to raise $10,000 to $15,000 for this cause.

"It's a privilege to slide down into Jell-O," Weaver said. "We need more splashers."

Weaver hopes that 150 to 200 people will come out this year and be splashers, and he wants people to see how much fun the event is and the party they make of the event.

Last year, the Gelatin Splash attracted more than 3,000 spectators with more than 130 participants and representation from 100-plus local corporations.

"A lot have done it in the past, and a lot will do it in the future," Weaver said. "It is one of the easiest ways to raise money, and it's a huge party."

Like Weaver, Cheektowaga resident and Daemen College student Jackie Reick was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. She stated that she likes this fundraiser because it's a family event and another way for her to fight her disease.

"Being a patient, I think it's finding a cure to all leukemia and lymphoma cancers that makes this worthwhile," Reick said. "And being a part of that is rewarding to me and everyone who is still battling cancer."

Reick has been doing the splash for the past five years. She looks forward to it every year, even though the cold gelatin is a little nerve-racking.

"It's a lot of fun," Reick said. "After you do it once, you know what to expect. There is the anticipating of freezing, but once you do it, it is a blast."

Every year, her sister and her father participate with her and have raised more than $1,000.

"A lot of my family and friends, my close friend and family member are usually there," Reick said of her support system.

Reick believes that fundraisers such as the Gelatin Splash are a great way to take the pressure of cancer off the minds of patients and their families.

"It is thrilling and exciting," Reick said. "Every year the amount of money goes up, and it is so nice to see that. Hopefully, they'll be able to find a cure for all leukemia and lymphoma cancers."

Orchard Park resident James Ingham, chairman of Gelatin Splash and vice president and chief financial officer of The Mentholatum Company, is equally excited about the fundraiser.

"I help the committee recruit splashers and raise funds," said Ingham. "This is a great family event. We get a lot of support from families, many of whom have relatives or friends affected by the disease."

Ingham is among the participants, splashing in honor of his niece who was affected by leukemia and in memory of a dear friend who lost the battle with the disease.

Third-year splasher Mackienzie Neary, an 11-year-old Lancaster resident, said she likes to be involved with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's events because her aunt works there.

According to her mother, Karen Neary, Mackienzie has participated in cancer walks, Light the Night and other ways to raise money.

"She thought the splash would be fun," Karen said. "She said, 'I'm going to splash until there is a cure.'"

According to her mother, Mackienzie has raised more than $1,000 in the past three years. This year, she held a concession stand at her brother's baseball game to raise money for the splash.

Last year, Mackienzie got her father to join her, and the two splashed in honor of a great-aunt who has lymphoma.

Karen said she thinks her children developed an appreciation for their health because she works at a children's hospital and takes care of youngsters who deal with these diseases.

"The kids see me at work, so they know they're lucky," Karen said. "There is more appreciation for their healthy days."

Those who want to help the fight against cancer or discover how it feels to slide into 1,000 gallons of jiggly gelatin can attend the Gelatin Splash event at 6 p.m. Friday, June 20, at the Buffalo Niagara Marriott Hotel, 1340 Millersport Highway, Amherst.

Admission is free. For more information, call Gelatin Splash headquarters at 834-2578 or register online at the Web site www.lls.org/wnygelatinsplash. (Reporters Rikki Cason and Tim Chipp contributed to this story.)