First Ever Mesothelioma Race for Justice in Illinois
Published: April 2, 2018
Chicago, IL (April 2, 2018) - Vogelzang Law, a Chicago-based personal injury law firm dedicated to representing victims of mesothelioma throughout the US, will host its first Annual Mesothelioma Race for Justice on September 22, 2018 in tribute to National Mesothelioma Awareness Day. The 5K race will be held at the Lake County Forest Preserve Half Day location in Vernon Hills, IL at 9 a.m. The proceeds from this year’s race will benefit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
“Vogelzang Law is proud to present the 2018 Mesothelioma Race for Justice, benefiting the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. It is exhilarating and gratifying to help bring the mesothelioma community together and heighten awareness of this debilitating disease. There is something undeniably unifying and exciting about a sporting event, so in the name of community, competition, health and awareness, we encourage you all to enjoy the race,” said Caylei Vogelzang, Director of Business Strategy.
The silent auction will begin at 7:30 a.m. on race day. Shortly after that, an opening ceremony will be held to welcome all attendees and the race will commence at 9:00 a.m. During the race, volunteers will distribute Gatorade and water to participants. At 11 a.m., the winners of the silent auction will be announced, and the event will officially end at noon. Post-race, attendees will enjoy refreshments, awesome goodie bags and a huge after party. Each 5K participant will also receive a race medal.
“It is my honor and privilege to step into the role of race director for the Mesothelioma Race for Justice 5K. Through the years as Public Relations Manager at Vogelzang Law, I have seen the devastating and cruel effects of this disease first hand. I have also seen the inspiring stories of hope and perseverance in one day finding a cure. Through the funds raised for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, my belief is that one day we can find that cure. I have been fortunate to see the brave families our firm has represented, who in the face of fear and adversity, are willing to stand as a community, support one another, and reach out to other families that have been affected by this disease. This race is our contribution to their tenacity,” said Race Organizer and Vogelzang Law’s Public Relations Manager Mirela Stefanescu.
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) devotes extensive efforts to funding mesothelioma research in hopes of finding better treatment options and a cure. They have awarded over $10 million to 106 high-quality, promising research projects in six different countries.
"We’re thrilled that Vogelzang Law is sponsoring a race to benefit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. The funds raised will support the Foundation's programs, including research, patient support throughout diagnosis, treatment, and beyond; and financial aid for travel to obtain new treatment options," said Melinda Kotzian, CEO of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
A keynote speaker and leading the race will be Chris Hagn, who lost his father to mesothelioma. Chris’s personal, heartfelt story will inspire other families who are going through or have gone through similar experiences as him.
The registration fee for the race is $45. Everyone who registers will receive a race day shirt at packet pick-up and a medal at the finish line. Packet pick-up will take place at the Fleet Feet Deerfield location, dates and times will be announced closer to race day.
Sponsors for the event are MARF, Fleet Feet, Rush University, the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, Hinckley Springs, Lifeway, Safe + Fair Food Company, the Chicago Wolves and Gilda’s. Anyone who wishes to volunteer or be a sponsor is welcome to sign up.
Registration is now open. Visit www.mesotheliomaraceforjustice.com.
About Vogezlang Law
Vogelzang Law, we represent and advocate for individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of asbestos exposure. With over 16 years of experience in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation, we have the specialized knowledge and resources needed to litigate complicated cases and the compassion to advocate wholeheartedly for our clients.
About MARF
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) devotes extensive efforts to funding research for better treatments and a cure for Mesothelioma. They have awarded over $10 million to 106 high-quality, promising research projects in six different countries. This funding has helped 240 pieces to be published as a result of these research projects and on average, 600 people are helped every month by these efforts. MARF funds research in early detection, prevention, and treatment of Mesothelioma, and they have firmly supported the ban of asbestos since their establishment.