Jackie Daversa isn't a stranger to cancer - so when the opportunity to raise money for cancer research presented itself, she took it.

''I read a story in the paper where a couple of women ran a marathon for cancer research last year,'' Mrs. Daversa said. ''I thought if they could do it, so could I. I called Roswell (Park Cancer Institute) in January and signed myself up.''

Mrs. Daversa, a teacher, said several members of her family - including her grandparents and her mother-in-law - and a number of her friends have been diagnosed with cancer.

''Everybody you talk to knows or is related to someone who's been diagnosed with cancer,'' she said. ''I know so many people who had it. So many people have been touched by cancer. That's what inspired me to do this. You would think, with the technology we've got today, we'd already have found a cure. Until that day comes, though, we have to work together and raise enough money so the search for a cure can continue.''

Mrs. Daversa will be running and walking a half-marathon, or just over 13 miles, beginning Jan. 9 at Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Fla. Runners have the option of running a 5K race, a half-marathon or a full marathon. Her training regimen includes running and walking every day.

''I'm very excited,'' she said. ''I've never been a runner. The closer it gets, the more excited I get. Training has been difficult. Some days, I don't do as much as I should. I try and get out as much as I can. I'm honestly looking forward to doing this.''

In order to participate in the half-marathon, Mrs. Daversa must raise $3,600 for Roswell Park. Thus far, she has raised almost $1,300.

Two events will be held later this month to help raise money as part of Roswell Park's ''Team Cure Challenge.''

A 300 Club party will be held Nov. 16 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Frewsburg Legion. Tickets for the party are $10, which includes a rigatoni dinner with beer and pop. There will be cash drawings throughout the night, along with basket giveaways and 50/50 drawings.

To purchase a ticket, call Mrs. Daversa at 499-8395.

Those interested in donating can also visit Mrs. Daversa's Team Cure Challenge Web site by going to giving.roswellpark.org, mousing over the ''Special Events'' link on the left-hand side of the page and clicking Team Cure Challenge. On that page, mouse over ''Orlando'' on the left-hand menu and click ''Donate to an Orlando participant.'' At the bottom of that page, enter Ms. Daversa's name and click the small blue ''Pledge Now'' button in the upper right-hand corner.

Checks for tax-deductible donations can be made out to the Team Cure Challenge.

''I have been simply amazed at how generous people are,'' Ms. Daversa said. ''It's unbelievable.''