“It’s more than just a race. It’s a celebration of hope and a platform to raise critical awareness,” says long-time ABC7 Gibbons Run volunteer Mike Kolodny.

For the last 30 years ago, Mike and his family and friends have been volunteering and participating in this event to raise funds for leukemia research.

A personal commitment ignited by loss

Their connection to leukemia came in 1968, when tragedy struck the Kolodny family: they lost Mike’s brother, Zachary, to leukemia at just 15. Since then, Mike, his brother Jeff, and their late parents, Ann & Morris Kolodny, have devoted their lives to fighting leukemia.

In 1984, Ann & Morris established a Leukemia Research Foundation chapter in Zachary’s memory, which later merged and became the Wolff-Berger-Kolodny-Croft Chapter. They organized special events such as live auctions, silent auctions, dinners, and candy sales to raise support and donations.

The legacy of generosity and impact continues

Today, Mike (below right), Jeff (below left), Jeff’s wife Sheri, and their children, Stephanie and Matt Kolodny, continue to advocate for the Leukemia Research Foundation. Their family’s heartbreaking loss 56 years ago ignited a lifelong mission to combat leukemia, and for more than half a century, they have remained dedicated to the cause, driven by an unwavering commitment to finding a cure.

As a significant part of that, Mike’s commitment to the ABC7 Gibbons Run has also been steadfast. In fact, alongside fellow impassioned volunteers, he played a pivotal role in shaping its early years.

Since that time, Mike has witnessed the event’s evolution from a stand-alone 5K race into the broader event it is today – a beacon of hope, where participants join in post-race festivities, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

His dedication extends beyond his volunteerism, too. Hallmark & Johnson Property Management, their family business, has been a steadfast sponsor since the event’s inception.

Mike’s unwavering long-time commitment embodies the ethos of the ABC7 Gibbons Run – a collective endeavor to effect meaningful change.

Join the movement: turning hope into reality

The 30th annual ABC7 Gibbons Run stands as a tribute to all those affected by leukemia, including Zachary Kolodny and ABC7 reporter Jim Gibbons, who also passed from leukemia.

Join Mike and countless others as we unite in solidarity, walking, running, and fundraising to realize a shared vision of a world without leukemia. Together, let’s turn hope into reality.

Join the team. Find the cure.

You can join the team by registering to walk or run with us on June 1st at Montrose Harbor. Or join us virtually from wherever you are located. The run kicks off at 8:30am, and this year features a Kid’s Dash and a Tiny Trot, in addition to the 5K chip-timed run and 3K walk.