[February 14, 2012]

Hundreds Sprint for Mesothelioma Research during South Florida Miles for Meso 8K Race

More than 300 runners, walkers and advocates participated in the 3^rd Annual South Florida Miles for Meso 8K Run & 2 Mile Tribute Walk on Feb. 12 to support individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

"We had a great crowd and an impressive representation of running talent who helped us spread awareness of mesothelioma throughout the streets of Boca Raton," said Race Director Larry Davis who is also a mesothelioma survivor. "Early estimates show the race generated tens of thousands of dollars for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation."

The race's top runners finished seconds apart. John Reback, 41, took first place overall with a time of 27:44.5. A second behind Reback was Lemos Emiliano, 43, with a time of 27:45.7. The female overall winners were Stephanie Stevens, 43, with a time of 32:52.3; Nichole Hillstrom, 32, of Ft. Lauderdale, with a time of 32:53.4; and Rachelle Ginsburg, 33, with a time of 32:55.6. Overall race results are available on the Accuchip Race Timing website.

"Thank you to everyone who worked hard to help me organize such a successful event," Davis said. "I'm looking forward to giving the Meso Foundation a nice check."

Cumulatively, the South Florida Miles for Meso race has raised nearly $50,000 for mesothelioma research. Additional donations for tis year's race will be accepted through Feb. 19. For more information about making a donation, contact Davis at, mesosurvivor@aol.com.

Every year, 3,000 new Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure, which has no cure. Miles for Meso, nationally sponsored by the Simmons Law Firm, is a nationwide effort by runners, survivors, patients, their families, advocates and medical experts to start a conversation about mesothelioma and the need for research.

"We are proud to support Miles for Meso events around the country," said John Simmons, chairman of the Simmons Firm. "The events have not only raised a significant amount for mesothelioma research, but they've brought the mesothelioma community together and allowed us to explain the dangers of asbestos exposure in our own local communities."

Visit milesformeso.org to learn more about how the mesothelioma community is running toward a cure.

About the Simmons Firm:

The Simmons Firm, headquartered in Alton, Ill., is one of the country's leading asbestos and mesothelioma litigation firms. With offices in Illinois, Missouri and California, the firm has represented thousands of patients and families affected by mesothelioma in every state. The Simmons Firm has pledged over $20 million to cancer research and proudly supports mesothelioma medical researchers throughout the country in order to find a cure. For more information about the Simmons Firm, visit http://www.simmonsfirm.com.

About Miles for Meso:

Miles for Meso, an initiative of the Simmons Mesothelioma Foundation, was established in 2009 to raise funds and awareness for mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Nearly 3,000 new Americans develop this relatively unknown cancer every year. The charity has helped others host Miles for Meso races in several states including Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Virginia, New York and Florida and raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars for mesothelioma research.

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