ALTON — Miles for Meso, a running and walking event series that has raised more than $977,500 for mesothelioma awareness, education and advocacy, received the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s Tribute of Unity Award for bringing people together to advance prevention, education and public health.
The honor was announced Sept. 19, 2026, during the 18th annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K Run & 3K Fun Run/Walk in Alton. It was formally presented Sept. 26 at the organization’s 21st Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference in Washington, D.C. The event is sponsored by mesothelioma law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy.
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This year’s Alton event brought together runners, walkers, families and supporters, raising more than $20,000 for the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, known as ADAO.
“Tribute of Unity is a really special award. It's given to a group or an organization that has been so rock solid to help make change happen,” said Linda Reinstein, ADAO president and co-founder. “This year, we thought it was so appropriate to bring in the Miles for Meso race to really acknowledge Simmons Hanly Conroy, the sponsors, racers and walkers, those family members that lovingly wear memorial bibs, and also the volunteers that make the race happen.”
For nearly two decades, Miles for Meso has brought the mesothelioma community together to raise awareness of the disease and the dangers of asbestos exposure while generating funds for organizations focused on education and advocacy.
“We are deeply honored to receive ADAO's Tribute of Unity Award,” said Todd Adamitis, Simmons Hanly Conroy chief service officer and Miles for Meso chair. “Miles for Meso has always been about bringing people together. This recognition belongs to every warrior, family member, advocate, volunteer, donor, and participant who has helped build this event into the tradition it is today. We're proud to stand alongside ADAO in continuing this important work.”
Founded in 2004, ADAO works to prevent asbestos exposure through education, advocacy and community initiatives. It also supports research and works toward a global ban on asbestos.
Simmons Hanly Conroy represents people with mesothelioma and asbestos-related cancers, among other areas of litigation. The firm also contributes to mesothelioma cancer research and supports patients and families through initiatives including Miles for Meso.
