Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure that is diagnosed in nearly 3,000 Americans each year. On Sept. 25-26 the Simmons law firm will sponsor multiple Miles for Meso races benefiting the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
East Alton, Ill., Sept. 24, 2010 – This weekend patients, families and advocates throughout the country will take a day to speak out about mesothelioma, a rare yet fatal cancer caused by asbestos exposure diagnosed in nearly 3,000 Americans each year. One law firm is stepping outside the courtroom to ensure their voices are heard.
The Simmons law firm will observe Mesothelioma Awareness Day, September 26, a day of acknowledgment spearheaded by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, by hosting a second Miles for Meso run and walk in Alton, Ill.
“As lawyers who have represented thousands of families affected by mesothelioma, we’ve seen firsthand the pain and suffering this preventable disease causes,” said Michael Angelides, Simmons Hanly Conroy’s managing Shareholder. “Our firm is committed to our clients and committed to doing what we can to help support the fight for a cure.”
The Simmons Hanly Conroy, a mesothelioma law firm, is the national sponsor of Miles for Meso 5K races, a fundraising effort to increase awareness about this cancer and to support medical experts’ research toward better treatment options and, someday, a cure. Two additional Miles for Meso races, sponsored by the firm, will take place this weekend in Rushville, Ind. and Fairfax Station, Va. in observation of Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
All proceeds from the three races will benefit MARF, a non-profit organization that has donated more than $6.4 million to mesothelioma research and provides patient resources and support for mesothelioma victims. The Simmons Hanly Conroy has been the foundation’s largest cumulative donor since it was founded in 2000.
Other activities taking place around the nation to bring attention to this often deadly and underfunded cancer include participation in the Weekend Today live audience, radio presentations, other cancer walks and a school event in California, among others.
MARF volunteers and officials will gather at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City Sept. 26 during the taping of NBC’s Weekend Today show, which will air at 8 a.m. EST. Volunteers will wear “Believe in a Cure” T-shirts and will hold signs with messages about the dangers of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.
“We will do everything we can to get a few seconds of air-time,” said MARF Director Kathy Wiedemer, in an e-mail. “We have already contacted the show to ask for a mention on-air and, although they have made no guarantees, we have very high hopes for it.”
Mesothelioma Awareness Day is a movement at both the state and federal levels to declare September 26 a day for recognizing mesothelioma. Last year, Illinois was one of eight states including Missouri, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Colorado and Washington, to make a proclamation or pass a resolution officially recognizing Sept. 26 as Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
Visit www.milesformeso.org to learn more about Miles for Meso and www.curemeso.org to learn more about Mesothelioma Awareness Day events happening near you.
About Simmons Hanly Conroy
The Simmons Hanly Conroy, headquartered in East Alton, Ill., is one of the country’s leading asbestos and mesothelioma litigation firms. With offices in Illinois, Missouri and California, the firm’s mesothelioma lawyers have represented more than 2,000 patients and families affected by mesothelioma throughout the country. The Simmons Hanly Conroy has pledged over $15 million to cancer research and proudly partners with top mesothelioma medical experts throughout the country to support efforts to find a cure. For more information about Simmons Hanly Conroy, visit https://www.simmonsfirm.com.
