This year, the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago will present the inaugural Bob Levin Community Spirit Award, honoring the memory of a longtime supporter whose passion for running and giving back made a lasting impact on the epilepsy community. Bob Levin was a lifelong runner and a familiar face to Team EFGC. He was passionate about using his drive to run to make a difference. Each time he ran the Chicago Marathon, he hosted a fundraiser for a cause that was meaningful to him. After his niece, Rachel, was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2018, Bob dedicated his fundraising efforts to the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago in her honor.

Tragically, Bob died in September 2024 from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run incident while riding his bicycle. His kindness, generosity and commitment to helping others, however, continue to inspire those who knew him.

The Foundation created the Bob Levin Community Spirit Award to recognize an individual who embodies that same spirit of compassion, dedication and service to the epilepsy community.

The first recipient is Mala, a member of this year’s Team EFGC who is running this year’s marathon in honor of her son, Niam. After Niam was diagnosed in August with a congenital neurological disorder that causes visual seizures, Mala turned to running as a way to honor his journey and support other children and families living with epilepsy.

“Watching Niam tackle this new diagnosis with such courage reminds me I can do hard things too,” Mala shared. “Every mile will be for him, and for every child and family learning to live with epilepsy.”

Mala has already raised more than $10,000 in support of the Foundation’s mission. Her commitment to turning a personal experience into an opportunity to help others reflects the very community spirit that Bob demonstrated throughout his life.

While Bob and Mala’s stories are different, they share something important: a belief that we can use what we love and what we have been through to make a difference for others. Bob ran in honor of his niece, and Mala is running in honor of her son. Both have found a way to turn their miles into meaningful support for the epilepsy community.

As the Foundation presents the Bob Levin Community Spirit Award for the first time, this Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the EFGC Rodeo 5K at Cantigny Park, we are proud to honor Bob’s legacy by recognizing someone who carries that same spirit forward.