Inaugural race, sponsored by the Firm, surpasses $10,000 fundraising goal
Federal Way, Wash., July 12, 2012 – The WA Memorial Miles for Meso 5K Run/Walk, sponsored by Simmons Hanly Conroy, has surpassed its $10,000 fundraising goal and will donate nearly $13,000 to mesothelioma research, race officials said.
“We are just so thankful to everyone who helped us make this an amazing event,” said Race Co-Organizer Diana Stewart. “Our goal was $10,000. We’ve gone over our goal and are still expecting additional donations.”
All proceeds benefit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, a national non-profit organization that has funded $7.6 million in peer-reviewed research of mesothelioma, in addition to providing patient support to individuals and families impacted by a mesothelioma diagnosis and advocating for federal funding on Capitol Hill.
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 more than $250,000 for mesothelioma research.
“As Miles for Meso continues to grow, the Firm is proud to support families impacted by mesothelioma like the Stewart, Dyhrman, and Hatley families,” said Simmons. “It’s thanks to the work done by people like them that important charities like the Meso Foundation move all of us closer to a cure.”
Donations from the event were raised from a combination of registration fees, private donations and sponsorships. Private donations can still be made by visiting the WA Memorial Miles for Meso fundraising page on the Meso Foundations web site.
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.
