Posted on September 29, 2014
I’ve just arrived back at the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) office after a weekend of powerful and emotional Mesothelioma Awareness Day events. I am so full of gratitude to everyone who spoke up to make the voices of asbestos victims heard, and to the organizers who put so much effort into making these events successful. In addition, many of you who could not attend an event united with us by joining the Mesothelioma Warrior Virtual Team or by Taking a Pie in the face. A very special thank-you to Jordan Zevon, ADAO National Spokesperson, who has been by my side this past weekend, performing at Jammin’ for Asbestos Awareness in Omaha, NE on Friday evening, and then flying to Alton, IL for the Miles for Meso run on Saturday morning.
Lisa Rahe Thompson, the Rahe Family, and a dedicated team of volunteers organized a successful Jammin’ for Asbestos Awareness concert and secured a Mesothelioma Awareness Day proclamation from Mayor Jean Stothert of Omaha. The Jammin’ MC, Jim Synder, did an excellent job introducing Jordan Zevon, Troi Atkinson, Mesothelioma Patient, The Jiggawatts, Clever, Lumpy Gravy, Mandown, and Cosmic Radio. Everyone had a fabulous time and we raised awareness too! It was wonderful that Marlyn was able to join us too.
Special thanks to Phil Thompson, Captain Extraordinaire, for flying Jordan and me from Omaha to Alton. We arrived just minutes before 600 runners began the 2K and 5K race! More than 30 ADAO Mesothelioma Warriors Virtual Team members, in honor and support, were paired with runners. Sarah did a magnificent job making our first effort possible. I had to fight back tears when I saw the names of dear friends and Alan on the bibs of runners. Not only did Heather Von St. James use her voice, but she also raised Miles for Meso donations and was recognized as the top pledge runner! ADAO sincerely thanks the Simmons Mesothelioma Foundation for selecting us as the Miles for Meso beneficiary to help us continue our education, advocacy and community support efforts.
We have never had such powerful Mesothelioma Awareness events, full of so many activities, in all of ADAO’s history! In recognition of all of you, our ADAO community, we launched two Mesothelioma Warrior recognition projects, to make your voices heard. Please share:
ADAO’s 80-Second Video Featuring Acting U.S. Surgeon General and Mesothelioma Patients
AND
100 ADAO Powerful Patient and Family Stories
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to our entire ADAO community for making this week a roaring success. Visit the Facebook Mesothelioma Awareness Community Events Photo Album to see and share wonderful photos and videos from the past few weeks. Here are the many awareness and fundraising events organized and/or attended by our ADAO Community:
“Jammin’ for Asbestos Awareness” Concert organized by the Bob Rahe family, September 26, Omaha, NE
Miles for Meso Race on September 27, Alton, IL
Meet the ADAO Mesothelioma Warrior Virtual Team Captains!
SHP Online || “Asbestos and Mesothelioma Awareness are Circling the Globe” by Linda Reinstein
Lastly, but very definitely not least, we have extended Jessica Mattmuller and Donna Johnson’s “Make a Pie – Take a Pie…Ban Asbestos!” Challenge until November 30. So if you haven’t Taken a Pie yet, now’s the time!
ADAO sincerely thanks our volunteers, supporters, donors, and ADAO leadership for a great month of awareness. Herman, we couldn’t have done these events without your help too!
You are proof that “Together, we make change happen!” To view all of the event photos, please visit the Mesothelioma Awareness Community Events album.
Linda
