RUNNING: Lindsay’s 5K to be held Sat.

By Jay Skurski<br><a href="mailto:skurskij@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Jay</a>

November 05, 2008 11:16 pm

— Bonnie J. MacIver-Mariani knows her daughter, Lindsay MacIver, will be with her in spirit Saturday. MacIver, a Tonawanda High School graduate, passed away in 2004 from a form of pediatric cancer known as alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.
In her memory, the fourth annual Lindsay’s Legacy 5k Run will be held at Clinton Park in the City of Tonawanda, beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday.
“It’s really an emotional day for me,” MacIver-Mariani said. “I feel like Lindsay’s with me every step of the way.”
In its first three years, the event has raised nearly $40,000 and attracted runners and walkers throughout Western New York, Ontario and as far away as Florida.
“We’ve already had about 250 people pre-register, and we’re hoping for a big walk-up crowd Saturday,” said MacIver-Mariani.
Much of the 3.1-mile course runs along Niawanda Park. Proceeds from the event benefit Carly’s Club, Roswell Park Cancer Institute’s official pediatric fundraising division, and the Rhabdomyosarcoma Research Laboratory of Dr. Frederic Barr at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Barr will attend Saturday, so that MacIver-Mariani can personally deliver the check.
Diagnosed in March 2002, MacIver’s cancer was already at an advanced stage, but her determination to beat the disease extended her life nearly 2 1/2 years. She passed away at the age of 21.
MacIver was particularly dedicated to improving the lives of young children who suffer from the same disease.
“I like to say that she earned her wings,” MacIver-Mariani said of her daughter. “That’s why we continue her dream and that’s to help those who suffer.”
Runners and non-runners are invited to attend a post-race party immediately following the race at the Post 264 American Legion Hall, 60 Main St., City of Tonawanda. The party will feature food and drinks, live music, a 50/50 raffle and a Chinese auction. Special raffles will be held for a hockey stick autographed by Buffalo Sabre Jason Pominville, an authentic Buffalo Bills jersey autographed by Donte Whitner, Buffalo Sabres game tickets and club level game tickets for the Buffalo Bills. There is a $5 admission charge for non-runners.
Race applications and other event information are available online at www.lindsays5k.com. For more information, contact MacIver-Mariani at 695-7406.