The
Pacific Mesothelioma Center hosted the 7th Annual Walk/Hike for Meso at the historic Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills.
The event is highly anticipated in the local meso community and continues
to attract more people every year. The sun was blazing but that didn’t
stop hikers from participating in the best-attended 5K yet!
Close to 260 family members, friends, and colleagues gathered to raise
awareness about
mesothelioma and to pay tribute to those who have had to battle the disease.
There were great friends and gracious clients of ours also in attendance,
including family and friends of the Mark Ganoe, Ottavio Belvedere, Chuck
Jarvis, Kay Simmons-Gilpatrick. George Crudge and Joel Sanchez. They are
an inspiration to everyone in the community and proof that funding research
into better treatment options improves quality of life and longevity.
The scenic hike weaves along the hills above the ranch. The trial is dotted
with informative facts about mesothelioma and asbestos, and each kilometer
is sponsored by the loved ones impacted by the illness. At the finish
line, hikers were greeted by cheers and had their photos snapped as they
made their way to the picnic area. The generous catered lunch has always
been a major draw along with a variety of gourmet vendors fueling the
participants.
As always, amazing prizes were generously donated and up for grabs through
the live auction and raffle, including a South African safari trip, a
Maui vacation, hot air balloon ride, Los Angeles Lakers tickets, Los Angeles
Dodgers tickets, jewelry, gourmet dinners and so much more.
PMC was pleased to have CHiPS television star Larry Wilcox as Master of
Ceremonies again this year. In addition to being a pop culture icon, Mr.
Wilcox is a decorated Vietnam vet and a patient of UCLA thoracic surgeon
and PMC Scientific Advisor Dr. Robert Cameron patient. Several years ago,
Dr. Cameron treated Larry for a benign chest growth and he has been a
grateful supporter of Dr. Cameron and his causes ever since.
As of last count, the event has raised $142,373 and donations are still
coming in! The top three fundraising teams were “Team Chuck Jarvis”
in honor of its namesake, “Cameron’s Cruisers” led by
Dr. Cameron, and “Team Billy” led by PMC’s Executive
Director Clare Cameron and spouse Bill.
PMC’s Annual Walk/Hike for Meso is held to honor and all those who
have lost their battle with mesothelioma. A special thanks to all of the
volunteers and participants who made this event possible with their time
and support.
The Worthington & Caron law firm is proud to have been a presenting
sponsor of the PMC Hike for Meso for the seventh year in a row.