The 5th Annual Washington Memorial 5K Run/Walk surpassed its goal of $15,000, raising $20,000 for mesothelioma research.
Organized by Diana Stewart, Pat Dyhrman and Pat Hatley, the July 4 event honored the memory of their husbands, Bob Stewart, Dick Dyhrman and Bud Hatley, who all passed away from mesothelioma, a deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
“We’re really thrilled with that amount,” Stewart said. “We want to thank everyone who came to the race, our sponsors, vendors and volunteers who helped make the day a success.”
All proceeds from this year’s race benefited Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, a national non-profit organization dedicated to funding research and providing patient support to patients and families suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. Since the first race in 2011, the Washington Miles for Meso has raised $86,000 benefiting the Meso Foundation and its work to help fund research for better treatment options and a cure.
The 2017 Washington race will return on July 4, 2017. The race committee expects to begin preparations this coming fall, Stewart said. Approximately 250 attended this year’s race and organizers hope that by starting earlier, combined with the holiday falling on a Tuesday, more people will attend.
“We’re hoping to reach more people,” Stewart said. “The more people who learn about the dangers of asbestos, the bigger the chance we will be able to make a difference so no one else has to face the suffering caused by mesothelioma.”
