The family of Dr. Ilan Maizlin (of blessed memory) is organizing a fun run in his honor on May 21 at 8:30 a.m. at Roe Park (10400 Roe Ave, Overland Park, KS 66207).
The Hearts for Abba 5k Family Fun Run honors Dr. Ilan Maizlin, who passed away unexpectedly in June of 2022. Dr. Maizlin is survived by his wife, Anna, and two young daughters.
Registration for the fun run is free, but the family asks for donations to The Shul — Chabad of Leawood in Dr. Maizlin’s name.
“Our faith was always a guiding light in his life. This is why we feel it would mean so much to donate the funds raised from this event to sponsor meaningful children’s programming at our synagogue, The Shul — Chabad of Leawood,” the family said.
Dr. Maizlin was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 1983, and his family emigrated to Haifa, Israel, in 1990. He moved to Portland, Oregon, before his junior year of high school. His childhood travels resulted in him being able to read, write and speak Russian, Hebrew and English fluently.
Dr. Maizlin attended the University of Washington for his undergraduate degree, majoring in biochemistry. He was accepted to Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine where he earned his M.D. and became a surgeon.
“He was an incredibly gifted physician, who was adored by his patients, colleagues and staff. His soul radiated kindness and love towards all,” the family said. One of Dr. Maizlin’s last acts was saving a life while on call.
“I always told Ilan that he was the best person that I had ever met,” Anna Maizlin said. “Ilan's amazing combination of kindness, warmth, sense of humor and intelligence were unmatched in anyone else that I've ever met — simply put, he was and will forever be my whole world, my very best friend and beshert, as well as my very much better half.”
The family’s goal is to make the Hearts for Abba fun run an annual event to honor Dr. Maizlin’s memory.
Registration for the fun run and donations to The Shul — Chabad of Leawood in honor of Dr. Maizlin can be done at heartsforabba.com.