The 6th Annual 5K Walk/Hike for Meso Raises Over $160,000 for Mesothelioma Research!

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, November 1, 2017 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Pacific Mesothelioma Center at the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute marked its 6th annual 5K Walk/Hike for Mesothelioma on Oct 22nd, 2017, at the Paramount Ranch. With over 350 walkers, the event raised $160,495 to find better treatments for malignant pleural mesothelioma, an asbestos-related form of cancer. Mesothelioma affects almost 3,000 people in the US each year, one-third of whom are veterans.

Presented by Worthington & Caron, P.C, the event brought together people who can personally relate to the cause. Thirty-two teams, consisting of family members and friends of those who have mesothelioma, as well as supporting organizations and individual walkers, gathered at the park at 9 a.m. for check-in and team photos. Each registrant received a complimentary T-shirt, fruit products generously donated by Dole, and sunscreen before leaving on the 5K or 1-mile hike.

After the walk, participants enjoyed a catered lunch by local Agoura Hills favorite Italia Deli. The event also offered David’s Tea, Duverger Macaroons, Monster energy drinks, Mustache Mike’s Italian Ice and a concert by The Six Billion Dollar Band. The live auction featured items such as a photo safari for two in South Africa and a Maui luxury package. The silent auction and opportunity drawing featured items such as gift baskets, dining and adventure certificates and weekend getaways.

Prior to the day of the event, participants were also encouraged to fundraise on their own and compete for an engraved “Top Fundraising Team” award. Besides asking for donations, some teams took a creative route in raising their funds and awareness for the cause, such as a Pasta Party by Team Jarvis, a bake sale at UCLA for Team Cameron’s Cruisers, and a Powerball at Captain’s Treasure Chest by Team Ganoe. The top fundraising team, Double Nickels, led by team captain Cubby Winkel raised over $19,000 for mesothelioma research. Cubby Winkel walks to support his wife, Judy Winkel, a brave mesothelioma warrior.

Many walk to honor those they have lost to this devastating disease. Returning walker Philip Prokop states “I'm glad that my team and I were able to participate again in this year’s walk. It shows support from everyone there, that they appreciate the efforts that The Pacific Mesothelioma Center and Dr. Cameron and his staff are doing. I will continue to support and help any way that I can.” PMC supporter Courtney Erhart added “The Meso walk is a tradition to celebrate and remember my Mom by walking with people that loved her. It's also a way to support families who are going through or have gone through similar challenges. It's a terrible disease and every step towards a cure is a step worth taking”.

Donations for the 5K Walk for Mesothelioma are still being accepted at www.phlbi.org/5k-walk-for-mesothelioma.

About the PMC: Established in 2002, the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (PHBI) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit institution. The Pacific Mesothelioma Center (PMC), a division of the PHLBI, is focused on the treatment and prevention of malignant pleural mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The PMC serves a growing number of mesothelioma victims by supporting the nation’s first-of-its-kind research lab which provides laboratory-to-the-bedside research that improves mesothelioma victims’ lives and longevity. www.pacificmesotheliomacenter.org

Clare Cameron
The Pacific Mesothelioma Center
310-478-4678
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