National Fundraising Race, Sponsored by Simmons Hanly Conroy, Nears $10,000 Fundraising Goal
Federal Way, Wash. – Miles for Meso, a nationally sponsored race by Simmons Hanly Conroy, will celebrate Independence Day by taking to the streets in Federal Way, Washington. More than 200 people are expected to raise awareness and funds for mesothelioma research by participating in the Miles for Meso WA Memorial 5K Run/Walk.
The race commemorates the memory of three Federal Way area men, Dick Dyhrman, Bud Hatley and Diana’s husband Bob Stewart, as well as other Washington residents who have died from mesothelioma. Every year 3,000 new Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure, which has no cure.
“I am very grateful for the outpouring of support our Miles for Meso race has received from the Federal Way community,” said Diana Stewart, Race Co-Organizer. “Mesothelioma is a horrible cancer and thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and volunteers, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of mesothelioma patients here in Washington and around the country.”
The race begins at 8:30 a.m., July 4 at the Federal Way Community Center. Registration costs $25 and is $15 for children under 9. Race day registration is available before the start of the race. The first two hundred participants will receive a complementary Miles for Meso long-sleeved techniqual T-shirt.
Due to the overwhelming support from community members, Stewart said the event is already close to surpassing its fundraising goal of $10,000. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, a national non-profit organization dedicated to funding peer-reviewed research of mesothelioma, advocating for mesothelioma awareness and providing patient support to individuals and families impacted by a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Simmons Hanly Conroy Chairman John Simmons said the WA Memorial Miles for Meso marks the first race the firm has supported on the west coast. Other states that have hosted a race include Florida, Virginia, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and New York. Cumulatively, Miles for Meso events have raised nearly $250,000 for mesothelioma research.
“As Miles for Meso continues to grow, the Firm is proud to support Ms. Stewart, Ms. Pat Dyhrman, Ms. Pat Hatley, and everyone who has worked so hard to organize the WA Memorial Miles for Meso race,” said Chairman John Simmons. “Together, we will make a difference in the search for a mesothelioma cure.”
About Miles for Meso
Miles for Meso is an initiative of the Simmons Mesothelioma Foundation that was established in 2009 to raise funds and awareness for mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Nearly 3,000 new Americans develop this relatively unknown cancer every year. National sponsor, the Simmons law firm, established the Alton, Ill., race as the program’s flagship race. The charity has helped others host Miles for Meso races in their own states including Missouri, Indiana, Virginia, New York, Washington and Florida.
