On Friday March 21st, sixteen runners joined Gift of Life for the Fourth Annual Jerusalem Marathon.  Participants wore t-shirts with Gift of Life’s logo that depicted a runner with a shadow, the shadow representing the person whose life the runner is saving as a result of the funds that were raised.  All proceeds will be used to add new donors to the worldwide registry and give the hope of a cure to patients suffering from leukemia, lymphoma, other cancers and genetic disorders. 

The Races consisted of various lengths ranging from a 5 km to a 26 mile marathon.  Each course included many hills that took runners along the ancient cobbles of the Old City, in through the broad Jafa Gate and out again via the narrow Zion Gate.  Over 26,000 runners from 54 nations competed in the challenging, historical course.

Runners included Gift of Life’s own employees and their family members including Halana, David, and Rafi, showing how much they truly care and believe in the work they do.  The youngest and largest fundraiser was Adi who ran in the 10k Race in memory of Chani, a young girl who lived in Adi’s community.  Chani lost her battle to cancer when she was just three years and was buried on the same day that Adi’s younger sister was born.  Since that time, Gift of Life has held a special place in her heart.  Adi stated, “I was so pleased to play my small part and collecting sponsors for Gift of Life.  The money raised will fund testing new donors who may be a match for a patient in the future.”

Jonathan participated in the 21K run in memory of his father, who passed away from cancer.  Jonathan’s father was an athlete and sports were always a big part of their relationship.  His father continued to run through his illness as proof of his desire to continue living and maintain hope.  Jonathan said, “As I was running the race this year and looking for some additional inspiration and a ‘second wind’, thinking of my father on the track experiencing the same emotions and strains opened up a well of strength that gave me that extra push to the finish line.”  He hopes that increasing the number of donors in the registry might provide the opportunity to answer someone’s prayers by providing a cure for another family’s loved one or dear friend.

To contribute to any runner who participated in the Race, click here.

Save the date for the 5th Annual Jerusalem Marathon, taking place on March 3rd, 2015.