I’m pleased to announce that the Simmons law firm will sponsor the inaugural Miles for Meso, a 5K run/walk, in historic Alton, Ill., on September 26, 2009, beginning at 9 a.m. Money raised benefits the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to funding critical research for better treatment options and, hopefully, to find a cure.
The need for mesothelioma education, awareness, and research has never been more urgent. Mesothelioma is a rare but devastating cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Our firm is committed to funding research and building awareness about the disease so that we can assist in providing the needed critical help for families throughout Illinois, Missouri, and the entire country.
We hope you can join us, whether you’re competing for cash prizes, simply enjoying the outdoors, or showing your support for mesothelioma awareness. Participants will receive a hi-tech, long sleeve running shirt. The top three finishers in the men’s and women’s categories will receive cash prized of $500 (first place), $200 (second place), and $100 (third place). There will also be five $100 cash prize drawings.
Along with generating awareness of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, Simmons Hanly Conroy’s sponsorship includes matching and donating all entry fees to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to funding critical research for better treatment options and, ultimately, to find a cure for mesothelioma.
Miles for Meso participants will also have the opportunity to sign a petition to support a movement at the federal level to declare September 26 as Mesothelioma Awareness Day. Earning national recognition of September 26 as Mesothelioma Awareness Day is an important step in the ongoing battle against the cancer. We look forward to the support of our Metro area runners, walkers, and friends to help make a difference as they participate in a great event.
A second Miles for Meso event will be held October 11 in University City and spearheaded by mesothelioma awareness advocate Julie Gundlach.
Going forward, we hope that we can continue this race in our community and expand it to others. As we generate awareness of mesothelioma, we gain momentum in raising funds, developing better treatments, and working even harder to find a cure.
Click here to register for the event.
