They're riding for Willa Saturday

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8/13/2009 3:00:00 PM

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Willa Alexsandra Fischer

They're riding for Willa Saturday

Ann E. Wibbenmeyer
Herald Staff Writer

Willa Alexsandra Fischer, who died last June just before her fourth birthday, has inspired a team of racers who are now raising money for other families dealing with cancer.

Members of this team, Willa's Wheels, will be competing this weekend in the Leadville Trail 100 bike race. One team member, Bill Ferrett, is working towards a Leadman title.

Willa was diagnosed with a cancer of the soft tissue behind her ear just before her third birthday, according to Henry Fischer, her father. She went through eight months of chemotherapy, he said, and looked strong until her death a few months later.

The time at the hospital was an eye opener for the family, said Fischer. The Fischer family had a lot of support, but other families did not. The need resonated, he said.

The Raymond Wentz foundation, named after an 17-year-old who died of cancer, helps pay for some of the needs. When Wentz was diagnosed, he had no parents. His mother had died and his father had dropped out of the picture.

He lived with his sister and rode his bike to his chemotherapy sessions.

All funds raised by Willa's Wheels goes towards this foundation.

The money is being raised through a series of rides and races done by the team members.

There were 10 Willa's Wheels riders in the Silver Rush last month, including Fischer. Fischer, who has a Leadville address, will also be in the 100-mile race.

He said that his first goal is to not cause an accident with the celebrity racers, his second goal is to finish and third, to break nine hours.

The members of the team will be recognizable by the black jerseys with the pink W on the front.

Leadville Trail 100 President Ken Chlouber has been a great support, said Fischer, allowing all the team members to enter races.

He also mentioned a lot of support has come from Cycles of Life and the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse. Ty and Roxanne Hall, owners of the cookhouse and Nordic Center, have named a trail after Willa, he said.

Next year, the team hopes to create its own ride in remembrance of Willa.

More information about Willa's Wheels can be found on the Web site willaswheels.org.

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