Runners, walkers, and survivors of leukemia and other blood cancers are gearing up for the ''18th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K.'' The run/walk kick-off will be broadcast live at 6:25 pm during ABC 7's 6:00 pm newscast with commentary by honorary event co-chairs, ABC 7's Janet Davies and Frank Mathie. The event takes place on Thursday, June 14 and benefits the Leukemia Research Foundation. Registration opens at 4:30 pm.
The run/walk will be held in Lincoln Park, 2551 N. Cannon Drive in Chicago. During the event there will be a bags tournament, awards ceremony and a performance by Black Cadillac Band.
Each year, Davies and Mathie co-chair this event to honor the memory of friend and colleague Jim Gibbons, an investigative reporter for ABC 7, who succumbed to leukemia in 1994.
"The last 17 years of this event has produced nearly $1.5 million in net revenue for critical, lifesaving research into the causes and cures of leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers," said LRF Executive Director Kevin Radelet. "Funding research to find a cure is the only permanent solution...something the organization has been devoted to for the past 60 years."
Cash awards will be given to the top three male and top three female runners. Medals will be given to the top three male and female runners in each of several age groups.
About The Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF)
The Leukemia Research Foundation, headquartered in Wilmette, Ill., is dedicated to funding research and providing support to people affected by blood cancers. The Foundation's mission is to conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes by funding research into their causes and cures, and to enrich the quality of life of those touched by these diseases. For over 65 years, thousands of volunteers and 24 chapters have helped the Foundation raise more than $52 million to help fund research specifically targeting aspiring, eager, and innovative scientists and physicians around the world, provide patient financial assistance, and offer educational and emotional support for patients and their families. LRF information is available at www.leukemia-research.org, or by calling the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons hotline at 847-424-0600.
