Big benefit planned for Waukesha's Chuck Weisner this weekend

Published on: 3/26/2014

To many folks in Waukesha and Pewaukee, Chuck Weisner is a fighter.

It's not because in 2009 he was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer. It's not because the cancer had spread to his lungs in 2013. Or because the cancer spread to his brain this year, in 2014.

It's because he's a true 43-year-old Wisconsin-born and -bred man. He graduated from Waukesha South and lives in Waukesha. He's laid-back and loves to spend time with his family and friends. He's a Marine and a veteran of the first Gulf War.

"He continued on going to work. Five years is a long time, and he's been on chemo most of the time," said Mary Ulm. Mary and her brother-in-law, Joe, are friends of Weisner's and are organizing a fundraiser for his family this weekend.

For Chuck, his wife, Jill, and his daughter McKenzie (now 6 years old), this weekend's fundraiser will mean fewer hospital bills to worry about.

"He's been fighting for five years now, and you can imagine the bills that are just piling up," Ulm explained. "It's hard enough being sick, but with all the bills on top of it ..."

The benefit will be from 1 to 6 p.m. March 29 at Boomers N29 W24483 Watertown Road, Pewaukee.

There will be raffles, silent auctions and food — Klements donated the food for the night. Prizes include Brewers tickets, Admirals box seats, plenty of themed baskets, gift certificates to spas and salons and a weeklong stay in a condo almost anywhere in the United States. Sponsors include Boomers Sports Bar & Grill, 1-800-Got Junk, Klements, Paper Machinery Corp., Circuit Masters Electric and Craig Berns Salon & Spa.

"We'll be passing around blue ribbons for you to wear, too, in honor of Chuck," Ulm added.

According to the Colon Cancer Alliance, dark blue symbolizes the fight against colon cancer. March is also the official National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, established by President Bill Clinton in 2000 to spread the word that colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable. Ulm explained that knowing your family history and being regularly screened are important steps everyone can take.

"The benefit is going to be a good time. Even if you can't stay for long just come for a little while, just to show support," Ulm said. You can also visit the family's YouCaring.com fundraising page, where you can make a donation with the click of your mouse: www.youcaring.com/wiesnerfundraiser.