Race Director Larry Davis Hosts Third Annual Event in Boca Raton
Simmons Hanly Conroy, a leading complex litigation firm, is proud to announce its support of the Third Annual South Florida “Wishing Well” Miles for Meso 8K Race & 2K Tribute Walk to benefit mesothelioma research. The firm is the national sponsor of Miles for Meso races across the country as part of its mission to help advance treatment options for mesothelioma patients and to support work being done to find a cure.
“As Miles for Meso enters its fourth year, Simmons Hanly Conroy is proud to support race organizer and mesothelioma survivor Larry Davis and all the work he does to advocate on behalf of the mesothelioma community,” said John Simmons, chairman and founder of the Firm. “Larry has overcome more than his fair share of challenges. His perseverance over his diagnosis is inspiring.”
Davis, 65, of Pompano Beach, Fla., believes his dedication to running and fitness has helped him become a survivor.
“When I learned of my diagnosis, I was already a runner. It just seemed natural to host a race to benefit mesothelioma research,” Davis said. “Running is part of the reason why I am a survivor.”
The race takes place at 7:30 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at Spanish River Park. Registration costs $25 and the 2K tribute walk is $20. After Feb. 7, registration increases to $30 for everyone.
Cumulatively, the South Florida Miles for Meso race has raised nearly $50,000 for mesothelioma research. Davis said he expects a strong turnout for the 2K Tribute Walk with more than 350 total people participating in the race.
“Partnering with Simmons Hanly Conroy and Miles for Meso has always been a pleasure,” Davis said. “I’m looking forward to having a great race this year and promoting more awareness of mesothelioma.”
A Health Symposium to review the latest news in cancer treatments and clinical trials for mesothelioma will take place the day before the race at 3 p.m., Feb. 11, at the Hilton Deerfield Hotel. Keynote speakers will be Dr. Raja M. Flores, chief of thoracic surgery at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York, and Dr. Dipnarine Maharaj, founder and medical director of the South Florida Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant Institute. Special guest speakers will also include Linda Reinstein, president of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, and Kathy Wiedemer, the executive director of the Meso Foundation.
Every year 3,000 new Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure, which has no cure. Miles for Meso is a nationwide effort by runners, survivors, patients, their families, advocates and medical researchers to start a conversation about mesothelioma and the need for research. Davis said by working together, a cure will be found.
Miles for Meso races in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina and Florida have raised more than $200,000 for mesothelioma research since the program first started. This year 100 percent of the funds raised at the South Florida race will benefit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, the leading national non-profit organization dedicated to funding peer-reviewed research of mesothelioma and providing patient support programs for mesothelioma patients and their families.
Online registration is available through Friday, Feb. 10. To register, click here. To learn more, visit the Miles for Meso website.
