‘South Florida Miles for Meso’ Sun Sentinel Article

Courtesy the Sun Sentinel/Palm Beach edition –  with special thanks to photographer Gina Fontana (I’ll post the actual article when I have it scanned)

The third annual “South Florida Miles for Meso 8K & 2M Tribute Walk,” benefiting the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, will take place on Feb. 12 at Spanish River Park located in Boca Raton.

Pompano Beach resident and avid runner, Larry Davis, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2006, will host the race.

Each year nearly 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibers.

After a latency period of 10 to 50 years, the cancer invades the linings of the lungs, abdomen and heart.

There is currently no known cure for mesothelioma.

This year Davis will team up with the Runner’s Edge Foundation (REF) to help promote healthy living.

REF promotes running and physical fitness for people of all ages. The foundation also supports groups and organizations in pursuit of running and physical fitness through teams, programs, competitions and educational means.

“My stepmother passed away a few years ago from cancer after a very long and difficult battle. I was very close to her and seeing Larry in a difficult cancer battle is something close to me … while I can never truly understand, I can support his fight,” said REF creator, Tom Vladimir.

A post-race party will include an awards ceremony, food, beverages, bounce house and more. To register for the race, visit http://www.Active.com.

A pre-race mesothelioma symposium will take place on Feb. 11th at the Hilton Hotel Deerfield/Boca from 3 to 7 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet leading experts in mesothelioma cancer research.

For more information about the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, visit http://www.curemeso.org.

(L-R) Ken Butalewicz, Susie Simms, John May and Courtney May, 11.------Special to the Sun-Sentinel, Photo by Gina Fontana