Pacific Mesothelioma Center's 5th Annual Walk / Hike for Meso Raises Over $121,000 for Mesothelioma Research
Pacific Mesothelioma Center’s 5th Annual Walk / Hike for Meso took place on Sunday, October 23, at the iconic old Hollywood saloon town of Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills. Hikers were welcomed to the old west by a cool breeze, overcast skies, and even a few raindrops, offering a respite from the hot sun present in years past.
We were blessed to see a number of warriors currently fighting mesothelioma participating in the event, and telling mesothelioma to “take a hike!” including Joel Sanchez, Maria Kovary, Leonard Mayagotia, and John Hunter. These brave and hearty souls offer a beacon of hope to everyone in the mesothelioma community, and remind us what we’re fighting for.
After finishing the challenging hike along 5 kilometers of dirt paths in the hills above the ranch, hikers were greeted with cheers, a medal, ice cold beverages, and the musical stylings of the Six Billion Dollar Band. Hikers then settled in and enjoyed a delicious lunch from Italia’s Deli, macaroons from Duvurger, and other delights from Jamba Juice, Monster Energy, David’s Tea, and Mustache Mike’s Italian Ice.
Once again amazing prizes were generously donated and up for grabs, including diamond necklaces and earrings, African Safaris, weekend getaways, wine tastings, and much much more.
Taking the team honors for most money raised was “Team Chuck Jarvis,” consisting of the family and friends of Chuck Jarvis, which raised $9,108. Second place went to the “Cameron Crowd” made up of Dr. Robert Cameron, director of the Comprehensive Mesothelioma Programs at UCLA and the West LA VA Hospital, and a number of his nurses from both hospitals, which raised $8,367. Finishing in third was the small but prolific “Team Bob Vitale” made up of Bob Vitale’s three children, which raised $5,420.
When the dust finally settled, over $121,000 was raised for much-needed research into lung-sparing treatments for mesothelioma.
The Worthington & Caron law firm is proud to have been the lead sponsor of the PMC Hike for Meso for the fifth year in a row. Special thanks go out to Clare Cameron, Executive Director of the Pacific Mesothelioma Center, PMC’s super volunteers, Victoria Adams and Steve Mascoli, as well as all of the other volunteers, sponsors, and participants who made this event possible with their time and support.
We look forward to seeing everyone again for the 6th Annual Hike in 2016!!
