Running isn’t just about the miles—it’s about the friendships, the memories, and the strength we find in each other. One of our participants, Suzuka, shares a heartfelt story about her dear friend Kimberly, whose love for running and unwavering determination continue to inspire.

Kimberly and I first met when she and her husband, Chris, moved into our neighborhood with their beautiful daughter, Ava. It didn’t take long for us to discover our shared love of running and walking, and soon, that became our weekend routine. Kimberly, a former college cross-country star, had a natural stride and speed, while I was more of a midlife-crisis, late-blooming hobby runner, finding my pace through sheer determination. Our weekend runs soon blossomed into a treasured friendship.

Then came the news that shattered me—Kimberly was diagnosed with leukemia. It broke me into pieces. But with true Kimberly fashion, I had no doubt she would fight this with everything she had. Our runs became walks, but, oh, how she walked. Her strides were stronger than ever. Even in the hospital, she brought a pair of running shoes with her and logged steps every single day. Her determination was unmatched, and her strength, inspiring.

I miss our silly texts. I miss our runs. I miss our walks. But mostly, I miss our conversations. Kimberly was one of those rare souls who always found time to give back, especially after our runs when she would volunteer on weekends to serve our community. If you knew her, you’d know she was the first person to step up and help raise funds for others in need.

So today, in memory of Kimberly, I’m asking you to join me in raising funds for the Leukemia Research Foundation. Kimberly would have been the first one to support this cause, and I know she’d want us to keep fighting. Let’s honor her legacy by continuing to give, just as she always did.

Kimberly’s spirit lives on through the strides we take and the impact we make. Join us in honoring her memory at our annual ABC7 Gibbons Run. Register today!

Every step brings us closer to a cure.