Miles for Meso Raises $40,000 for Mesothelioma Research
The 14th Annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K Run and 3K Fun Run/Walk returned to the streets of Alton, Illinois, on Saturday, Sept. 24 after two years of virtual-only participation. This year’s event raised nearly $40,000 for the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, a nonprofit focused on eradicating asbestos-related diseases.
ADAO co-founder Linda Reinstein thanked the events’ hosts, law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy and Metro Tri Club, telling The Mesothelioma Center: “Sincere thanks again to Simmons Hanly Conroy, all the volunteers, sponsors and our entire ADAO community for making Miles for Meso a huge success. Miles for Meso is yet another example of how together we make change happen.”
The Mesothelioma Center Raises $5,800
Patient Advocates from The Mesothelioma Center traveled to Alton this year for the Miles for Meso event. Once again a platinum sponsor for the race, the mesothelioma advocacy and awareness team raised $5,800 for the cause.
The center had 78 registrants, which included employees, their family members, patients and caregivers. Many traveled to Alton and some walked together in satellite local events around the country.
“It was so nice to return in person after having this event be virtual the past two years. It is very touching to hear family members’ stories,” said Danielle DiPietro, a Patient Advocate and VA-accredited claims agent with The Mesothelioma Center.
Patient Advocates spoke with several people who had lost loved ones to mesothelioma, DiPietro said. One family member had battled the disease for more than 10 years.
“We were also able to connect with a newly diagnosed patient, his wife and daughter,” DiPietro said. “Our organization will be providing travel assistance resources so the patient can receive mesothelioma treatment out of state.”
14 Years of Simmons Hanly Conroy Fundraising
Since the inaugural Miles for Meso event in 2009 Simmons Hanly Conroy has raised nearly $900,000 for mesothelioma research through its SHC Foundation. The law firm has represented those with mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases since 1999.
“We were very pleased with the outpouring of support from the local Alton community and throughout the world for this year’s Miles for Meso,” said Simmons Hanly Conroy CEO Todd Adamitis, Miles for Meso committee chair. Along with in-person runners and walkers, the race had virtual participation from 27 U.S. states, plus Canada, Australia and South Africa.
Adamitis added, “We thank our many donors, sponsors, volunteers and cheerleaders. Without them the continued success of the Alton race and other Miles for Meso events across the country would not be possible.”
“We are fiercely reminded that it is much more than a race. It’s part of a larger movement for truth and justice,” said ADAO’s Reinstein. “Likewise, Mesothelioma Awareness Day is much more than a date on a calendar. It’s part of ADAO’s daily mission to prevent asbestos exposure and eliminate mesothelioma as well as other deadly asbestos-caused diseases.”
Next year’s Miles for Meso event has been set for Saturday, Sept. 23.