It's the dedication of participants that fuels the fight. The runners, walkers and survivors come together for one thing...to fight against leukemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndromes-blood cancers that are taking the tens of thousands lives of loved ones every day. Once again Janet Davis and Frank Mathie, in memory of their late colleague, will kick off the "19th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K." The start of the race will be featured live on ABC 7's 6:00 pm news at 6:25 pm, Thursday, June 13. Janet Davies and Frank Mathie are once again honorary chairs for the event this year. All proceeds will benefit the Leukemia Research Foundation. Participants can register at www.Gibbons5K.com.
The location of the event's run/walk will be held in Lincoln Park, 2551 N. Cannon Drive in Chicago. It will also feature a bags tournament, awards ceremony and a guest performance by Black Cadillac band.
Every 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 lost the battle to leukemia in 1994.
The run/walk has grown tremendously in helping to pursue the goals and dreams of the Leukemia Research Foundation. "The last 18 years of this event has produced more than $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 more than 60 years."
Prizes of 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 the several division age groups.
About The Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF)
The Leukemia Research Foundation established here in Chicago in 1946, was aimed
to help bring awareness in understanding the causes and finding cures of the
blood cancers. The foundation headquartered in Wilmette, Ill., is not only
dedicated in funding research but also in providing financial, educational and
emotional support to people affected by the blood cancers.
For over 66 years, thousands of volunteers and 23 chapters have come together to help fundraise more than $54 million for research. 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.
Event sponsorships are still available. Contact Cindy Kane at Cindy@LRFmail.org or call 847-424-0600. LRF information is available at www.leukemia-research.org, or by calling the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons hotline at 847-424-0600.
