"Social media was huge in reaching people both inside and outside our community, " recalled Pallad.

CNN: A child's struggle inspires drive for cure

Bederman and Pallad were confident they could reach out online to find runners -- and donors -- who would participate.

CNN: A child's struggle inspires drive for cure

Group leaders Jill Arnold Pallad and Jamie Granet Bederman met the Kopelans when their children were enrolled at the Montclare Children's School in Manhattan.

CNN: A child's struggle inspires drive for cure

Bederman and Pallad are hoping to match last year's total and look forward to once again putting the money in the hands of an early-stage researcher.

CNN: A child's struggle inspires drive for cure