Posted on September 30, 2019
Facebook: Race Day and Tribute Bib Photos
Thanks to the dedication of many, the 11th Annual Miles for Meso Race was a roaring success and raised over $25,000 for ADAO’s asbestos awareness, education, and community initiatives. All this could not have been possible without the support of more than 1,200 racers, spectators, supporters, and volunteers –– along with many virtual supporters from around the world –– who joined together for this tremendous weekend event.
Nearly 70 people kicked off the weekend on Friday at the Community Warrior dinner. The group gathered to share their experiences and strength before the Saturday race. We were also joined by Ellen Costa, ADAO Board Member, and Jordan Zevon, ADAO National Spokesperson.
As Ellen shared, “It was so heartwarming to have this community dinner and share private time before the race. You could sense the strong feeling of family in the room.”
In coordination with a special race day display featuring the classic motorcycle of late Mesothelioma Warrior Steve McQueen, each runner received a page from Barbara Minty McQueen’s book, Steve McQueen: The Last Mile….Revisited, in their event bags. As a talented photographer, Barbara’s books were a hit at the event. ADAO is immensely grateful for Barbara’s support and dedication as the Honorary Celebrity Board Co-Chair for our ban asbestos efforts and actions.
As always, a powerful highlight of the weekend was ADAO’s Miles for Meso “Biking for an Asbestos Ban” Team. Those on the ground in Alton were joined by Mesothelioma Warriors Virtual Teams who created their own local events to raise awareness. In fact, you can still join the team and make an online donation.
This year, more than 100 tribute bibs were worn by racers in honor or in loving memory of Mesothelioma Warriors from around the world.
Jill Cagle started the run by riding her purple Harley Davidson in loving memory of Robbie, her beloved late husband. Robbie was an amazing Warrior loved by everyone who met him. His infectious smile and ability to always see the good in each day made him a dear friend to all of us. We miss him greatly.
After the race, walkers and runners were treated with a performance by songwriter and musician, Jordan Zevon. The crowd especially loved when Jordan sang his father’s hit “Lawyers, Guns And Money.” Tragically, Warren Zevon died from mesothelioma in 2003.
Knowledge is power. In addition to our Message to Congress Action Center, we shared our newest infographic, “Asbestos: Still Legal and Lethal in the USA today | The Deadly Legacy of Asbestos” during the race. Our aim is to raise awareness about pathways of asbestos exposure, deadly effects of the fiber on public health, and its continued use in commerce; so that we can instigate prevention and drive for better policies regarding the substance.
ADAO would like to extend special gratitude to the list of event coordinators and supporters below:
- The 34 teams who spearheaded fundraising efforts leading up to the race
- The Mesothelioma Warriors Tribute Bib honorees and runners who shared this experience
- All the Virtual and Race Day runners or donors who pledged dollars, time, and support to ADAO and asbestos victims everywhere
- The “Biking for an Asbestos Ban” team: Team Captain, Marilyn, and Team, Ann, Courtney, Jess and Mike, Jill Cagle, Jill and Nancy Waite, and Julie!
- And last but far from least, the Simmons Mesothelioma Foundation for selecting ADAO as the race’s beneficiary to help us continue our education, advocacy, and community support efforts, with special thanks to SMF President John Simmons and the Alton Miles for Meso event committee.
From the bottom of my heart, thanks again to Simmons Hanly Conroy, all the volunteers, and our entire ADAO community for making Miles for Meso a huge success once again. We are fiercely reminded that it is much more than a race; it is part of a larger movement for truth and justice. Likewise, Mesothelioma Awareness Day is much more than a date on a calendar; it is part of ADAO’s daily mission to prevent asbestos exposure and eliminate mesothelioma as well as other deadly asbestos-caused diseases.
Together, we are stronger.
Linda