Jordan Zevon to Perform at Alton Miles for Meso 5K on Sept. 27

ALTON, Ill., Sept. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Miles for Meso is proud to announce that Jordan Zevon, an award-winning songwriter/singer and son of legendary rock musician Warren Zevon, will perform in Alton, Ill., on Saturday, Sept. 27 during the 6^th Annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K Race & 2K Fun Run/Walk which benefits the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.

Warren Zevon passed away in 2003 from mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Shortly after, Jordan became the national spokesperson for ADAO to spread awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure.

"My story is truly no different than any other family affected by the tragedy of asbestos," Zevon said, on the ADAO website. "The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization gives victims like me and countless others a united voice and unmatched strength to work toward a future without asbestos."

Mesothelioma, a rare lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases kill approximately 10,000 Americans every year. Though it is heavily regulated, asbestos is not banned in the United States despite being classified as a human carcinogen in 1976 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Linda Reinstein, ADAO Co-founder and president, started the charity in 2004 after her husband Alan Reinstein was diagnosed with mesothelioma. He died in 2006, but Reinstein, through her work with ADAO, continues to advocate for a total asbestos ban and provides a support community for those impacted by asbestos-related diseases.

"Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases continue to take lives even today because companies used asbestos despite knowing the dangers and they continue to trample victims' rights in an effort to avoid that responsibility," Reinstein said. "Events like Miles for Meso are an important way to increase awareness that this deadly toxin is not a problem from a past generation, but continues to be a silent killer in today's world."

The Alton Miles for Meso race begins at 9 a.m. at the headquarters of Simmons Hanly Conroy, a national mesothelioma law firm, located at One Court Street, across from Marquette High School in historic downtown Alton, Ill.

"I invite everyone to come join me at the Miles for Meso starting line and help ADAO continue its work on behalf of the thousands of families and individuals harmed by asbestos," Reinstein said. 

Everyone who registers will receive a long-sleeve t-shirt as well as access to a variety of race day festivities including Zevon's performance.  Other race day activities include a kids' zone with face painting, games and a bounce house; a dog adoption event; free food and drinks; and a vendor fair featuring local businesses.

Registration costs $30 through Monday, Sept. 22 and increases Sept. 23 to $35. Online registration is available through Sept. 23. Race day registration is available on-site for $35 the morning of the race starting at 7:30.

To register, visit www.milesformeso.org/register.

SOURCE Simmons Hanly Conroy