A local WVU employee is trying to raise $25,000 by October to help out cancer patients in Morgantown.

Jason Thomas lost his mother to cancer two years ago, and his father to cancer when he was two. That's inspired him to lace up his shoes and hit the pavement, and the pedals, and the pool.

He's training for marathons and triathlons in the area. He's already finished his first marathon, and is trying to raise the money by his next race in October.

He and his wife have established the "Carolyn E. Miller Steps for Solace Fund."

That money will be used to help make visits to the Cancer Center Clinic as pleasant as possible. He wants to be able to provide things like beverages, newspapers, magazines and assistance like wigs or scarves to patients and their families. He says his mother was always helping folks and he wants to maintain her legacy.

He says local businesses have been extremely helpful and generous so far, but they still need more help to endow the fund. Here's how you can help:

CAROLYN E. MILLER STEPS FOR SOLACE FUND

MARY BABB RANDOLPH CANCER CENTER
293-4597

"RECASTINIRON.BLOGSPOT.COM" to follow Jason's training. He's hoping to run an Ironman Triathlon by 2010.