Hundreds run Miles for Meso in Federal Way | Slideshow

Published 5:49 pm Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Hundreds of attendees of all ages strolled and ran in the fourth annual Miles for Meso Washington Memorial 5K Fun Run/Walk on Saturday at the Federal Way Community Center.

Race organizers set a goal of raising $20,000 this year to support families and raise awareness in our community of Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor of the lining of the lung, abdomen, or heart caused by exposure to asbestos. Washington state has one of the highest number of cases of mesothelioma in the nation.

The event included a presentation of colors by Boy Scout Troop 174 from Puyallup and a welcome by Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell.

Many runners wore patriotic attire for the Fourth of July holiday or Miles for Meso race T-shirts.

All funds raised at the event go directly to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. This nonprofit agency funds critical research and provides education, support and advocacy for mesothelioma patients and their families.

Last year, the event raised $17,000.

The Miles for Meso event began four years ago thanks to the efforts of three women — Pat Dyhrman, Pat Hatley and Diana Stewart — to raise money for the foundation and to honor their husbands who died from mesothelioma: Weyerhaeuser company geologist Dick Dyhrman of Puyallup, Federal Way school district Athletic Director Bud Hatley and Federal Way High School teacher and coach Bob Stewart.

“In addition to our husbands, this memorial run/walk honors all those who have died in Washington state from this terrible disease,” Pat Dyhrman wrote in a press release.

Since its inception, more families have joined in remembrance of loved ones who have been exposed to asbestos and died of mesothelioma.

Pat Dyhrman continued, “This gives our families something positive to be a part of and gives others who knew them a chance to honor their friend, co-worker, or neighbor.”

Diana Stewart added, “Often the cancer is harsh and the quality of life with mesothelioma is very low. We want to help others get information about the cancer, to find doctors who treat it, and learn about the cause. We feel strongly about it because asbestos can be eliminated.”

The 5K event began in front of the Federal Way Community Center, wound its way through Celebration Park and ended near the Community Center entrance.

First, second and third place awards were given to winners in all divisions.

Learn more about mesothelioma at www.curemeso.org.