Posted on September 19, 2018

There was a point in my life where one of the most challenging things to do was complete a marathon. They were hard, but I enjoyed them. In fact, my husband, Alan, and I ran five. Then, when Alan got sick and eventually died from mesothelioma, those 26.2 miles didn’t seem so bad anymore.

In 2003, Alan was diagnosed and not only did we stop running, but we nearly stopped walking because Alan struggled to breathe.

Our final marathon wasn’t 26.2 miles. It took three years – it was a year long battle against mesothelioma, with suffering, anger, struggle and will. We developed a will to spread awareness so others shuffling through the same emotions had a place to turn. We co-founded the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), which provided us and others relief – like a cup of water handed out at a marathon. For Alan, it wasn’t a cure, but solace.

Now, for the fifth consecutive year, ADAO will participate in the Miles for Meso 5k and 3k Walk/Fun-Run – a way to use Alan’s hobby to raise awareness for what killed him.

This unique race has allowed ADAO to develop a signature program to honor Mesothelioma Warriors. One of the most powerful parts of the race each year is when runners and walkers at the Alton event dedicate their race in honor or loving memory to a Warrior by wearing a personalized tribute bib.

Those who come out to the race are part of a community of individuals who have lost loved ones to mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. We share each other’s pain and anger, and understand each other’s feelings and struggles. But most importantly, we are there for one another because this is a community, a support system.

With nearly 40,000 asbestos-related deaths each year, it’s not rare to find someone suffering from the loss of a loved one or internalizing the pain and anguish. Community is everything to us because it’s easy to believe the universe is singling you out and only hurting the ones we love, and in this community, we are not alone.

On Sept. 22, the 10th annual Miles for Meso 5k and 3k Walk/Fun-Run will take place in Alton, Illinois, but will feature runners from around the country. More than 1,000 people will come together in a fun, healthy way. There are even ways to connect digitally for those who can’t make it to the race in person. And, of course, it raises mesothelioma awareness and funds for ADAO. Since 2014, ADAO has been the designated beneficiary for the Alton Miles for Meso race, which has raised a cumulative $130,000 for ADAO.

Miles for Meso is more than a fundraising event – it’s an integral tool to raise awareness.  Each year ADAO’s race booth asks participants to get involved with the fight against asbestos. This year we will again circulate cards to be signed that will be delivered to the EPA urging them to ban asbestos NOW.

In addition to the Warrior Tribute Bib program, ADAO will also be producing our 2018 Mesothelioma Warrior Memorial Video in loving memory of those who have lost their lives.

Our community will come together on Sept. 22, but it will expand greatly before that. Each year, runners build teams and team members ask friends and family for donations, expanding the community even further and spreading awareness of mesothelioma.

We look forward to the Miles for Meso event and encourage everyone who can to get involved in the race and honor all the Mesothelioma Warriors out there.

Together, we are making change happen.

Linda
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