Zach Forman had never run more than five miles in his life—until nine months ago. He began training for his first official race in honor of the man who had taught him the meaning of showing up for others, Martin Cohen.
Martin Cohen: The Glue That Holds a Family Together
Martin’s role in the family is central. Zach sees him as “the glue that holds my family together,” highlighting the stability and support his grandfather provides. Martin’s influence extends beyond just his immediate family; he’s the one everyone turns to when they need help, whether it’s emotional, practical, or simply a guiding hand through life’s decisions, big or small.
Growing up, Zach looked up to his grandfather as a role model, someone who faced life’s challenges with determination and grace. Martin’s childhood in an economically challenged part of Philadelphia and working his way through college, all while maintaining a strong work ethic, left a lasting impression on Zach and helped make him into the person he is today.
Zach’s most cherished memories were their yearly trips to Phillies Spring Training, where they bonded over baseball and family time. Early on, this outing consisted of four generations (his grandfather’s dad, Sol; his grandfather, Martin; Martin’s son, Lane; Zach’s dad, Matt; and Zach himself). This ritual meant so much to Zach that he describes it as a highlight of his childhood.
One of the things Zach admires most about his grandfather Martin is the way he builds and nurtures relationships. Whether it’s the deep, enduring love he shares with his wife of over 60 years, the close ties he maintains with family, or the respect he’s earned in his community, Martin has always prioritized people. To Zach, these relationships are a reflection of Martin’s values: “He’s just always there for people.”
Diagnosis
In late February, Martin received the news he had pancreatic cancer. He didn’t immediately share the information with the rest of the family. Instead, he took the time to meet with doctors, ask questions, and understand the road ahead.
Once he had a fuller picture, he asked his son, daughter, and son-in-law to be the ones to share the news with his grandchildren, believing it would be easier to hear it from their parents.
Zach described it as a heavy moment, although his grandfather approached it with remarkable strength and determination.
He started treatment soon after and, despite being on aggressive rounds of chemotherapy, has responded better than expected. While the side effects have been tough, they haven’t been as severe as he initially feared. A small but meaningful victory.
The Decision to Run the Brooklyn Half
Zach knew the moment his grandfather was diagnosed that he wanted to run. Initially, he planned to run the New York City Marathon however, this all changed when his grandfather was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer.
Instead, Zach wanted to immediately provide Martin with some of the emotional fuel he needs to fight this. So he shifted his focus. He began searching for a race that aligned not just with his training but with his grandfather’s health. That’s when the Brooklyn Half came into view. It was sooner, more accessible, and still impactful.
More than a finish line, the race became a chance to share the experience with someone who had shaped his values, supported him, and inspired his strength. In choosing Brooklyn, Zach was embracing a moment that would allow him to honor his grandfather in the most meaningful way possible- “I can share the experience with him, even if it’s just telling him about it after. I wanted him to be part of it. I wanted him to see it.”
Zach trained for the race with Jacob, a very good friend from Emory. The Brooklyn Half was Jacob’s first competitive race as well. They’ve trained together throughout this journey, pushing each other and staying motivated. Jacob has also graciously donated to the cause, showing how deeply he believes in the mission.
The Impact of Fundraising: A Testimony of Martin’s Influence
Martin’s deep roots within his community show what kind of person he is. As Zach shared, “A majority of the donations have come from his and my grandmother’s [Memom’s] friends, which says everything about them. All these people from his community wanted to show their support, and this gave them a way to do that.” It’s a powerful testament to the strength of Martin’s relationships and the respect he’s earned over the years.
The support from the community has been truly overwhelming. What started as a goal to raise $4,400 has far exceeded expectations, with a total of $11.7k raised. This remarkable generosity speaks to the impact Martin has had on so many lives.
Especially for Zach’s mom, Stacie, Martin’s daughter, the love from the community has been a lifeline. The two talk daily, and Martin helps her navigate any challenge she’s facing, no matter how big or small. “It’s her dad, her best friend,” Zach said of their relationship. While his diagnosis has been incredibly difficult, this outpouring of support gives her something positive to hold onto.
Remembering Uncle Marty: A Shared Legacy
Zach’s family is no stranger to the impact of pancreatic cancer. In addition to his grandfather, Martin, Zach’s Uncle Marty—his dad’s uncle—was also diagnosed with the disease a few years ago, ultimately passing away from it.
Zach’s family has always been deeply influenced by the two “Martys”—his grandfather and his great-uncle. As Zach recalls, “[Uncle Marty] was hilarious—should’ve been on SNL.” He owned a Jewish deli in Philadelphia called Mrs. Marty’s Deli, and people would stop in all the time. But they didn’t just go for the food (though it was great); they went to see Marty himself. His larger-than-life personality and humor made him unforgettable.
“The Martys on both sides of my family have always been the glue,” Zach reflects. “My grandfather on my mom’s side and my great uncle on my dad’s side—they were the ones who held everything together,” always making people laugh on both sides of the family.
Meaning and Motivation: More Than Just a Race
Crossing the finish line was deeply meaningful for Zach. It’s his way of giving back to his grandfather, supporting him just as Martin has always supported him throughout his life. Zach was eager to see Martin on his Mom’s FaceTime, watching him complete the race. “I want to make him proud, so I want to finish that for that reason.” Knowing how often his grandfather has expressed his pride in him made the push to finish the race even more rewarding.
Zach’s competitive spirit adds another layer of motivation. “Jacob and I are trying to run it in under 1:50,” he said. Having grown up playing sports like squash and tennis, he misses that sense of competition. This race allowed him to reconnect with that feeling. To top it off, his parents drove in to watch him race, his dad even canceling a work trip to be there. “So yeah, I really want to make them proud too.” The love and support from his family and the desire to honor his grandfather pushed Zach to give everything he has on race day.
Importance of Crossing The Line
For Zach, the race wasn’t just about crossing the finish line; it was about embracing the entire journey and honoring his grandfather, Martin. “It’ll be the culmination of a lot. But I’m trying to focus on the process, not just the finish. I don’t want to be someone who always looks ahead—‘once I finish this, then everything will be perfect.’ I want to enjoy each step along the way.”
With that being said, he knew that when he finally completed the race, he’d feel a sense of relief, pride, and happiness. His parents were there to witness the moment, and afterward, he shared the experience with his grandfather. “That’ll be a moment I’ll always remember.”
Running for Something Bigger
As Zach prepared for the Brooklyn Half, he reflected on the journey that brought him here, from never having run more than five miles to training for his first official race. His initial hesitation to start running had turned into a deep sense of purpose, driven by the desire to honor his grandfather, Martin.
To support Zach and his fundraising goals for pancreatic cancer research, click here to donate to his page.
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