Posted on October 2 , 2017
Facebook: Race Day and Tribute Bib Photos
Miles for Meso Race United Mesothelioma Warriors in Person and Virtually from Across Globe, Raising $30,000 for ADAO’a Education, Advocacy, and Community Support Efforts!
Here at the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO, we are astounded at the passionate outpouring of community and advocacy seen during this Mesothelioma Awareness Month, September 2017. From our huge 12th Congressional Staff Briefing, meetings with Senate and House offices to discuss TSCA and a ban bill, to Miles for Meso 2017 — this month has been the best kind of busy!
Thanks to your dedication and support, more than 1,000 racers, spectators, supporters, and volunteers (along with virtual support from across the globe) gathered together at the 9th Annual Miles for Meso and raised over $30,000 to support ADAO’s asbestos awareness, education, and community support campaigns. These donations not only help us to spread lifesaving information with the public, they also support our work for a ban in DC.
As always, a powerful highlight of the weekend was the Mesothelioma Warriors Virtual Team, in which runners and walkers at the Alton event complete the race in honor or in memory of a Mesothelioma Warrior by wearing a tribute bib. This year, we made more than 100 tribute bibs honoring Warriors from six countries: Australia, Canada, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In addition to the Friday Warrior dinner and Saturday race, we had action table supporting the ADAO petition to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to Ban Asbestos in the US Now, Without Loopholes or Exceptions.
ADAO would like to extend special gratitude to the list of event coordinators and supporters below:
- The 31 teams who fundraised leading up to the race and raised such an incredible donation for ADAO
- The ADAO Mesothelioma Warriors Tribute Bib honorees and runners who shared this experience through dedications
- All the Virtual and Race Day runners or donors who pledged their dollars, time, and support to ADAO and asbestos victims everywhere
The Mesothelioma Warrior Team Captains: Mike, Jessica, Courtney, Annamarie, Marilyn, Sandra, Julie, Jennifer, Heather, and Ann! - Jordan Zevon, ADAO National Spokesperson, who brought the party to race day with a live music performance featuring songs from his father Warren Zevon
- ADAO Board Member Ellen Costa, who headed up the ADAO Alton Contingency this year
- And last but far from least, Simmons Mesothelioma Foundation for selecting ADAO as the Miles for Meso beneficiary to help us continue our education, advocacy, and community support efforts, with special thanks to Todd, Sarah, Alli, Ashley, and Amy.
Here are just a few of the numerous Miles for Meso messages I received from our Warrior community.
“Miles for Meso means so much to me because sometimes in our fight for asbestos awareness and a full ban you don’t know if anyone is listening sometimes, but when I attend Miles for Meso, I see all these tremendous people joined together and you see we’re not alone. I get to see familiar faces and new ones as well. Although I wish it were happier circumstances that bring us together I leave every year with an overflowing heart. The contribution that Simmons Hanly Conroy has made to ADAO is immeasurable.” Jordan Zevon, ADAO National Spokesperson and Miles for Meso performer
“I am grateful for M4M organizer, Simmons Hanley Conroy which has supported ADAO and its mission for several years. I participate in M4M because asbestos-caused mesothelioma killed my husband, the father of my young children. My kids and I are so proud to see Joe’s name on a runner’s bib – it keeps his memory alive and reminds others that asbestos can kill anyone.” Marilyn Amento, Virtual Runner and East Coast Regional Co-Director
“Having Miles for Meso dedicated to ADAO shows the commitment from SHC to educate the public on the devastation of asbestos and all that is being done to ban it in the US. The support from firms like SHC ensures that the valuable work that ADAO is doing, not only in Washington, but in communities through out the US will continue and that a ban will happen.” Heather Von St. James, Racer and Mid-West Regional Co-Director
“I was so impressed with the community of warriors and their families. The spirit of Miles for Meso and the power that everyone brought to this event is immeasurable. On behalf of ADAO, thank you for going the distance to raise awareness and ban asbestos. Until 2018!” Ellen Costa, ADAO Board Member
Be sure to check out the Miles for Meso #ENDMeso Virtual Race (2017) photo album to see and share wonderful event and virtual race photos, from participants in Alton and around the globe!
If you missed Miles for Meso this year, don’t worry! It’s never too late to donate. And be sure to follow ADAO and Miles for Meso on social media so that you’re always in the know about upcoming events.
From the bottom of my heart, thanks again to SHC firm, volunteers, and our entire ADAO community for making Miles for Meso a roaring success once again. We are fiercely reminded that it is much more than a race; it is part of a social movement for truth and justice. Likewise, Mesothelioma Awareness Day is much more than a date on a calendar; it is ADAO’s daily mantra to end the heartbreaking effects of mesothelioma and asbestos.
Linda