Why We’re Walking to Raise Mesothelioma Awareness
Advocacy
Written by Amy Edel | Edited By Walter Pacheco
The 14th annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K race and 3K walk and fun run will take place on Saturday, Sept. 24, just two days before Mesothelioma Awareness Day. The in-person event returns this year to Alton, Illinois, and people across the country will also be participating virtually.
Survivors and their loved ones will run and walk to help bring attention to mesothelioma and the dangers of asbestos exposure.
This year at The Mesothelioma Center, we’re hoping to share your stories of hope and determination and shine a light on the strength of the mesothelioma community. Our goal is to spark dialogue about the importance of awareness and screenings for early mesothelioma diagnoses, the need for an asbestos ban in the U.S. and support for survivors and caregivers.
Share Why You’re Walking
We’ve created a customizable sign that you can download and write on to highlight who inspires you to walk this year. Taking photos and sharing them on social media is a helpful way to spread awareness. Be sure to use the hashtag #Miles4Meso and tag us @TheMesoCenter so we can help amplify your message.
You can also share your mesothelioma survivor story with us. We believe in the power of storytelling to build community and spread hope.
Mesothelioma awareness wristbands are also available. Request your wristbands now to receive in time to wear at the event.
Why We’re Walking
The Mesothelioma Center team will be participating in person in Alton and virtually with friends, family and colleagues from mesothelioma treatment centers and advocacy organizations. We walk to honor the survivors we’ve had the honor to help via our Patient Advocates, connected with during our support group and interacted with during our webinars.
We also walk to celebrate the accomplishments of the survivors we love working with, such as the indomitable Tamron Little, who recently spoke at the White House as a participant in the Cancer Moonshot Goals Forum.
And we remember the legacy of writer and cancer advocate Emily Ward, who survived mesothelioma for 10 years. Ward shared her treatment and advocacy experiences with Asbestos.com for many years and connected with fellow survivors as a webinar panelist.
