Posted on September 28, 2026

Raise your voice to ban asbestos and #EndMeso now by submitting your six-word quote.

On September 19, the 18th Annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K Race and 3K Fun Run/Walk brought runners, walkers, survivors, families, advocates, volunteers, and others together in Alton, Illinois, and virtually across the country, in support of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). The event was hosted and produced by Simmons Hanly Conroy and Metro Tri Club.

This year’s theme, “Let the Good Times Run,” celebrated resilience, community, and hope. ADAO’s spokesperson and longtime advocate Jordan Zevon performed, bringing music and a deeply personal connection to Miles for Meso as the son of Warren Zevon, a beloved musician who died of mesothelioma in 2003. Every mile crossed honored those we have lost, supported those living with mesothelioma, and raised awareness about preventing asbestos exposure.

Over the weekend, during ADAO’s 21st Annual Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference, Milos for Meso organizers were respectfully recognized with the Tribute of Unity Award for their unwavering commitment in building a community that brings people together to advance prevention, education, and public health. The award was accepted by Julie Gundlach, Jill Cagle, and Penny Major. 

“It is an honor to continue supporting the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization,” said John Simmons, Chairman of Simmons Hanly Conroy, ADAO’s Platinum Sponsor. “ADAO plays a crucial role in raising awareness and providing hope and resources to families impacted by asbestos exposure.“

For me, Miles for Meso is deeply personal. I became a Mesothelioma Warrior when my husband, Alan, was diagnosed in 2003 and unfortunately died two years later, leaving behind myself and our then-10-year-old daughter. Before his diagnosis, I had never even heard of mesothelioma. That experience led us to co-found ADAO and build a mission centered on education, advocacy, and community.

Our community has taught me that not all heroes wear capes. Some wear scrubs. Others wear suits, fighting for us in treatment rooms and courtrooms. Most importantly, it has taught me that quitting is never an option and that every story deserves to be seen, heard, shared, and remembered.

One of those powerful voices is Penny Jo Major, ADAO’s 2026 Ban Asbestos Miles for Meso Team Captain. Penny lost her father, Donald “Mac” McKinley, to mesothelioma after he was diagnosed at just 48 years old. For nearly a decade, she has transformed that loss into education, advocacy, and support for other families.

Since Miles for Meso began in 2009, participants have logged more than 40,000 miles and raised more than $977,500 for mesothelioma research and asbestos awareness,  a testament to a community that keeps growing stronger every year.

The work continues beyond the finish line. That momentum carried us to Washington, D.C. for our 20th Congressional Staff Briefing, and now takes us to Arlington for our 21st Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference, where our Shared Stories: How Asbestos Changed Our Lives Forever book, holding the memories of more than 200 Warriors, will remind us that personal stories are at the heart of our work.

Congress is also considering the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2026 (ARBAN), S. 5235, introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley and John Curtis. ADAO continues to support this comprehensive federal legislation addressing commercial asbestos. And Mesothelioma Awareness Month isn’t over! As it continues, we’re collecting six-word messages about the impact of asbestos to help preserve and amplify the voices of patients, families, workers, and advocates.

A special thank you to Simmons Hanly Conroy and to every racer, volunteer, donor, sponsor, survivor, and family member who made this year’s Miles for Meso possible, including this year’s top fundraisers. The top team was TEAM AL, captained by April Marburger in memory of Albert Manring, continuing a tradition he was part of before his passing in 2019. Rounding out the top fundraising teams were Georgie Porgie’s Meso Patrol and Winky’s Warriors. We look forward to carrying this momentum into 2027 — join us for the next race on September 18, 2027! 

Every mile matters. Every story matters. Every voice matters. Together, we remember those we have lost, support those fighting today, and continue working toward a future free from asbestos-caused diseases.

 

Linda