Our Mission
Willa’s Wheels is an athletic team that raises money for the Raymond Wentz Foundation.
Stacy and Henry Fischer have been deeply touched by the show of support for their biking and running team Willa’s Wheels which raises money for the Raymond Wentz Foundation (RWF www.raymondwentz.org ). They became aware of the RWF in 2008 around the time they learned their daughter Willa was not going to survive her own cancer. While devastated by the news, they knew there was much to be grateful for as they were able to take time off of work to be with Willa throughout her treatment. They were able to get away and have two magical trips to Disney World and Hawaii-experiences for Willa that brought her such joy and memories that will always be. Never did the dark clouds of financial need take them away from their time to be present with Willa. And despite an overwhelming loss, for this they will always be grateful and feel the need to try to give back. RWF has provided the opportunity to try to give other persons some relief, some hope, some joy.
Dr. David Schrier founded RWF in 2002 soon after caring for a remarkable young man named Raymond Wentz. Raymond’s mother was deceased and life’s challenges prevented his father from being present for the family. Raymond lived on his own with his sister and worked as a bagger at King Soopers. He was undergoing chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and the greatest concern facing him and his sister at the time was not the treatment for cancer, not the terror of facing a potentially life limiting illness, but the uncertainty of where their next meal might come from. Raymond died from his cancer, but his need for hope and bravery facing tremendous obstacles inspired the foundation bearing his name. RWF brings hope to patients and families facing cancer treatment by alleviating some of their daily financial struggles through unrestricted grants up to $1000.
The Willa’s Wheels’ Concept: Pick a ride or race; wear a Willa’s Wheels/RWF jersey; set up a donor page (it takes about 10 minutes—just hit the “Join Team” tab on this website); and raise money through friends, family, and colleagues. The goals: make your miles count by raising at least $250. All money raised goes to the Raymond Wentz Foundation.