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  • Home > Blog > Featured Story > Marathon Effort: Fundraisers Turn to Athletes for Help Funding Mesothelioma Research
Posted on Thursday, Aug 12, 2010

Marathon Effort: Fundraisers Turn to Athletes for Help Funding Mesothelioma Research

By Nancy Meredith

Mesothelioma, a rare, aggressive form of cancer primarily caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers, is one of 6,000 diseases identified as an orphan disease in the United States.  The designation applies to diseases that affect fewer than 200,000 Americans at any given time.  Many of these illnesses are cancers, including mesothelioma, and afflict so few people that researchers and pharmaceutical companies do not find it beneficial to expend the time, effort or money to find treatments and cures.  As a result, foundations and organizations appeal to the public by organizing fundraising efforts to provide the much needed funding to find a cure.

Some of the organizations have setup websites that simply allow a donor to make a gift online, while others sell t-shirts or other mementos to support their cause.  More often, however, organizers have found that the way to appeal to the public is through athletic events.  Building on the success of one of the most recognizable names in cancer fundraising, Livestrong, those looking for a way to raise money for the cause are setting up runs, walks and other exercise activities.

Exercise is Inspiring and Critical to Survival

Some of the close to 3,000 Americans that are diagnosed with mesothelioma yearly turn to running, yoga and other forms of exercise in the hopes that the numerous health benefits will improve their survival rate as well as their quality of life.  They also exercise to fund research.  They, in turn, inspire their friends and family to take up an activity as well.

According to Lee Jones, PhD, scientific director of the Duke Center for Cancer Survivorship at Duke University School of Medicine, “fitness is among one of the strongest predictors of how long you will live.”  While many of the participants may not know how critical exercise is to the survival of mesothelioma and cancer patients, they do know that by taking a fitness challenge they may contribute to researchers someday finding a cure.

Team In Training and Livestrong Lead the Way

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training (TNT) program was formed in 1988 with the slogan to “create a world without cancer.” The program supports participants in marathons, half-marathons and triathlons with coaches, training programs, buddies and fundraising support to help the participants be successful in their event.  TNT is the world’s first and largest charity sports training program, and it has raised close to $1 billion for cancer research since formed.

The Livestrong Challenge Series consists of run, bike and triathlon events.  Created by Lance Armstrong, one of the greatest athletes to overcome cancer, the series has raised over $60 million in the fight against cancer.

Mesothelioma Events

While, ultimately, all cancer research funds will benefit finding a cure for malignant mesothelioma, specific events ensure that the monies go directly to researchers focusing on mesothelioma.  Below are some of the events that have been organized and held throughout the United States and abroad.

  • 5k Walk for Hope.  Held in New York City each year, supported by Belluck & Fox , with the fifth annual event held April 18, 2010.
  • Get the Lead Out 5K/10K run and 1 mile walk. Held yearly in Pennsylvania, through the Norm Kulig 2Young2Go Foundation that is committed “to remembering those who lost their lives to cancer, contributing to the research efforts of MARF [the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation] and aiding prevention that can be achieved through remediation of existing asbestos waste disposal sites.”
  • Miles for Meso 5K walk/run. Held regularly throughout the U.S. including Rushville, Indiana,  Alton, Illinois, St. Louis, Missouri, Boca Raton, Florida and in many other cities.
  • Relay for Life. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, teams of people take turns walking or running around a track over 24 hours. The events are held annually in over 5,000 locations in the U.S. and in over 20 countries.  Teams can designate the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation as a recipient of their donations.
  • Dance Dynamics. Held in Rancho Santa Margarita, California to raise funds for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
  • Fancy a Tri for Charity.  Held in England, this event, along with other running events, raises funds for the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund.

While many mesothelioma patients may not have the strength to exercise or participate in fitness fundraising events, community members can continue to come together to race for the health of their friends, their own health and  towards funding research to find treatments and a cure for the deadly disease.