Bigger & Better than Ever! Over $100,000 raised for Mesothelioma Research at Pacific Meso Center's 4th Annual Walk/Hike for Meso
Pacific Mesothelioma Center’s 4th Annual Walk/Hike for Meso took place this past Sunday, September 27, as part of Mesothelioma Awareness Weekend. The hike once again took place at the iconic old Hollywood saloon town of Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills. The sun was hot, the skies were clear and energy and anticipation were high.
Several mesothelioma patients made it out to the ranch, as well as over 300 friends and family of persons whose lives have been impacted by mesothelioma. Each kilometer was marked with signs sponsored by families in memory of the loved ones affected by the disease. There were also mesothelioma and asbestos facts scattered throughout the course, and a quiz at the completion of the walk with prizes for the top scores. Bingo was offered during the hike for those who wanted to participate in the event, but weren’t up for the hike and heat!
After finishing the challenging hike along 5 kilometers of dirt paths in the hills above the ranch, hikers were greeted with cheers and a medal, ice cold beverages and the musical stylings of the Red Muffs along with the Jonny Cash tribute band, The Walking Phoenixes. Hikers were rewarded a delicious lunch from Ottavio’s Italian Restaurant, donated by owner Noella Belvedere who lost her husband Ottavio to mesothelioma in 2007.
A heartfelt speech was given by Worthington & Caron friend Terry Latham, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2010 and underwent the pleurectomy decortication surgery with Dr. Robert Cameron. Terry attributes his survival to the specialized care of Dr. Cameron: “To those who still struggle, you are alive, and you must fight to live. I am living proof of the skills of Dr. Cameron and I am eternally grateful. He saved my life.”
One of the highlights of the day was the drawing of the raffle prize winners. Tension was high as the numbers were called. Amazing prizes were once again up for grabs including a Napa Valley Getaway to the Chardonnay Lodge, a Private In Home Wine Sampling Experience for up to 12 people from PRP Wine International, two tickets to Capt. Dave's Whale Watching Safari, two tickets to The Hollywood Wax Museum, a pizza and bowling party at AMF Bowling, four park passes to Knott's Berry Farm and that’s just to name a few of the many prizes! All gifts were generously donated for the event.
When the dust finally settled, over $100,000 was raised for much-needed research into lung-sparing treatments for mesothelioma. This amount exceeded PMC’s goal for the event for the fourth year in a row and donations are still coming in!
The Worthington & Caron law firm is proud to have been the lead sponsor of the PMC Hike for Meso for the third year in a row. “It was a joy to see so many families out there on the trail,” beamed Roger Worthington, Worthington & Caron founder. “Despite the heat and dust, everybody was smiling and laughing and enjoying the blessings of doing a worthy thing for a worthy cause.”
PMC’s Annual Walk/Hike for Meso is held to honor and remember in loving memory of Ottavio Belvedere, Bruce Bell, Mark Ganoe, Charles Jarvis, Sr., John Johnson, David Baeza, Gene Lepore, Gerry McCarthy, Kevin McCarthy, Rosa Gonzalez, Robert Vitale and to all those who have lost their battle with mesothelioma. A special thanks to Clare Cameron, Executive Director of the Pacific Mesothelioma Center and Super Volunteer Victoria Adams, as well as all of the volunteers and participants who made this event possible with their time and support.
