Law Firm Raises $25K|for Cancer Research

ALTON, Ill. (CN) - The Simmons Law Firm raised $25,000 to support research for mesothelioma and rare asbestos cancer through its 4^th Annual Miles for Meso.

Simmons has raised almost $100,000 for mesothelioma research since Miles for Meso, a 5K race and walk, began in 2009. All proceeds benefit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, a national charity focused on mesothelioma research and patient support. The money was raised through a combination of registration fees, personal donations and sponsorships.

For the first time, Simmons organizers separated the regular 5K from the elite race, which featured professional runners from around the world competing for the largest fall 5K purse in the Midwest. More than $6,200 in prize money was up for grabs and Hirut Mandefro, of Ethiopia, won the women's division by setting a new course record of 16:08. Julius Bor, from the United States, won the men's division in 13:59.

The Jesse White Tumbling Team performed a routine for the crowd and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White addressed the crowd before participating in the tumbling performance.

"This year's Miles for Meso was a resounding success," said Gregg Kirkland, Simmons Firm CEO, in a statement. "Thanks to the support of everyone who attended, our volunteers and our sponsors, this event continues to help raise awareness about the horrible disease of mesothelioma."

The Simmons Firm, based in Alton, is a national leader in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation. The Simmons Firm has pledged nearly $20 million to cancer research and supports mesothelioma research throughout the country, the firm said in a statement.

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