It's more than a race. It's helping improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals with leukemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndromes -- blood cancers that will claim tens of thousands of lives this year. Runners, walkers, and survivors of leukemia and other blood cancers are gearing up for the "16th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Traffic Jam" along Chicago's lakefront. (Previously, the race was known as the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors' Strut.) The race kick-off will be broadcast live at 6:25 pm during ABC 7's 6:00 pm newscast with commentary by honorary race co-chairs, ABC 7's Janet Davies and Frank Mathie. The event takes place on Thursday, June 17 at Grant Park's Arvey Field in Chicago and benefits the Leukemia Research Foundation. Registration opens at 4:30 pm. For the second consecutive year, the race will also take place in Wilmette, Illinois, where the Leukemia Research Foundation is located. The Wilmette race also begins at 6:25 pm and starts at Village Hall.
Each year, Davies and Mathie co-chair this race to honor the memory of friend and colleague Jim Gibbons, an investigative reporter for ABC 7, who succumbed to leukemia in 1994.
"Funding research to find a cure is the only permanent solution," said LFF Executive Director Kevin Radelet. "Support from the 'ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Traffic Jam' helps the LRF continue its more than 60 years of impact on the course of leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancer treatments and advance cures." 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 more than 60 years, thousands of volunteers and 24 chapters have helped the Foundation raise more than $39 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.
Leukemia Research Foundation information is available at www.leukemia-research.org, or by calling the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons hotline at 847-424-0780.
