15th Annual Miles for Meso Raises $35,000

Advocacy

Written by Sean Marchese, MS, RN • Edited By Walter Pacheco

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The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization raised $35,000 for mesothelioma research and advocacy through this year’s Miles for Meso event.

The 15th Annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K Run and 3K Fun Run/Walk occurred in Alton, Illinois, on Saturday, Sept. 23. Many also participated virtually from around the world.

ADAO president and co-founder Linda Reinstein organizes the event each year to raise awareness and funds in the fight against asbestos-related diseases.

“We are humbled each year by the outpouring of support for Miles for Meso from our friends and neighbors, and the community’s enthusiasm for the 2023 event was no exception,” Reinstein said.

Linda Reinstein holds an oversized check for $35,000 — ADAO President Linda Reinstein, center, celebrates a successful 15th Annual Miles for Meso. Photo courtesy of Linda Reinstein.

Community Support Leads to Fundraising Success

Miles for Meso is a success each year thanks to the participation of the mesothelioma community. Registrants in this year’s event included patients, family members, caregivers and advocates for the cause.

Patient Advocates Vanessa Blanco and Danielle DiPietro under the Miles for Meso start sign in Alton — Patient Advocates Vanessa Blanco, left, and Danielle DiPietro ran the 15th Annual Miles for Meso at the main event in Alton, Illinois.

Reinstein emphasized the importance of the community’s support and dedication.

“Equally vital to the event’s success are the numerous donors, sponsors, volunteers and supporters who generously give both financially and with their time to ensure that we can continue to support the work of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization,” she said.

The Mesothelioma Center sponsored the race at the platinum level again this year, raising $5,000 for advocacy and awareness. Patient Advocates Danielle DiPietro and Vanessa Blanco traveled to Alton to participate in person.

More than 70 registrants from The Mesothelioma Center joined this year, including more than two dozen employees and their family members who gathered in Orlando, Florida, for the race. Patient Advocate Karen Selby and Medical Outreach Liaison Jose Ortiz participated remotely, as did mesothelioma survivor and writer Tamron Little and her family.

“The event in Illinois brings out current patients, survivors and family members who have lost a loved one,” said DiPietro about this year’s event. “It is great to be with this community, and it’s also very emotional to sit back and realize mesothelioma’s devastating effect on so many.”

The Mesothelioma Center group shot outdoors — The Mesothelioma Center team participated in Miles for Meso 2023 from Orlando, Florida.

Miles for Meso Fundraising Leads to Long-Term Benefits

Including this year’s Miles for Meso, ADAO has raised over $925,000 since 2009 through the annual fundraising event. National law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy sponsors the run each year, hosting the race outside its headquarters in Illinois.

Tania and Michael Cole — Mesothelioma survivor Michael Cole and his wife Tania took part in the Miles for Meso event.

The funds Miles for Meso helps raise benefit the mesothelioma community in far-reaching ways. Donations to research initiatives support new mesothelioma treatments. Fundraising is also a vital way to raise awareness of mesothelioma.

“We are fiercely reminded that it is much more than a race. It’s part of a larger movement for truth and justice,” said Reinstein. “Miles for Meso continues to be an amazing event that both inspires people and helps ADAO fund its work to help families negatively impacted by asbestos, raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos, and ultimately secure a ban on asbestos in the United States,” she said.

“We are tremendously grateful to all the event’s participants, supporters, sponsors and others who pour so much into making Miles for Meso a truly remarkable community experience.”