National Mesothelioma Awareness Day is right around the corner. On Sept. 26, 2020, the United States will honor the thousands of individuals and their families whose lives have been impacted by mesothelioma, a deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

For its part, Simmons Hanly Conroy will be hosting its 12^th Annual Miles for Meso 5K Run & 3K Fun Run/Walk starting on Mesothelioma Awareness Day.

This year, the Alton Miles for Meso 5K Race & 3K Fun Run/Walk has been converted into a virtual race. The virtual event will ensure the safety of participants and recognize the significant risk that COVID-19 presents to everyone.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) – the largest independent asbestos victims’ group in the United States.

ADAO’s Mission to Provide Community, Awareness and Advocacy

With the help of Doug Larkin, ADAO President and CEO Linda Reinstein founded ADAO shortly after the tragic death of her husband, Alan Reinstein, who died of mesothelioma.

Unfortunately, Linda’s family is but one of thousands that are impacted by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Each year, it’s estimated that around 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma. But asbestos also causes other deadly diseases, including asbestosis and lung cancer. In total, it’s estimated that nearly 40,000 Americans die every year from asbestos-related illnesses.

The advocacy work that ADAO does is absolutely vital. The organization helps fight for families battling mesothelioma and works to prevent other families from going through the same pain, devastation and loss that Linda and her family experienced.

ADAO also provides asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice, raises public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure, and works toward a global asbestos ban.

Mesothelioma Awareness Day: What You Can Do to Help

This year, the ADAO asks supporters to help promote awareness by signing and sharing a petition that would call on the EPA to take action on asbestos in the United States. The petition is available on Change.org and has already been signed by over 142,000 supporters.

When Sept. 26 rolls around, do your part by promoting Mesothelioma Awareness Day to friends and family, on social media and within your local community. You can also support the cause by:

• Registering for the Miles for Meso 5K Race and 3K Fun Run/Walk
• Wearing blue, the official color of the awareness campaign
• Sharing social media posts from ADAO and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
• Attending one of many virtual fundraisers
• Updating your Facebook profile picture with Miles for Meso’s frame.
• Contacting your local newspaper and/or news station, requesting a story to be run on Mesothelioma Awareness Day

Don’t Forget to Join the 12^th Annual Miles for Meso 5K Race and 3K Fun Run/Walk!

In addition to getting involved in the advocacy efforts noted above, you can support ADAO’s important work by signing up to participate in this year’s virtual Miles for Meso race.

For the seventh year in a row, proceeds from the event will benefit ADAO.  Last year’s race raised $25,000 for ADAO. In total, the race has brought $180,000 to the charitable organization over the last several years.

Registration for the event is open through Oct. 2.

The post This Year’s Miles for Meso Race Starts on Mesothelioma Awareness Day – Sept. 26. Here’s How to Get Involved. appeared first on Simmons Hanly Conroy.