Simmons Hanly Conroy LLC
07/17/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/17/2024 05:20
Miles for Meso Spotlight: Celebrating the Life of Mesothelioma Warrior Burlene Jones
This September, show support for a loved one who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma by participating in the 16th Annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K Race & 3K Fun Run/Walk.
Each year, our mesothelioma law firm hosts both a local race and a virtual race nationwide to help raise awareness and generate funding for mesothelioma research.
This year's race will take place on September 21, 2024. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO).
This Miles for Meso Spotlight honors Burlene Jones, a Simmons Hanly Conroy mesothelioma client whose life was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Burlene Jones: Matriarch with Mesothelioma
For nearly 40 years of their 60-year marriage, Burlene and her husband Sherman were repeatedly exposed to asbestos.
During their time together, Sherman held multiple jobs that required him to handle asbestos almost every day. Most notable was his decades-long career at Union Electric, which involved regular contact with asbestos-containing materials like ceiling tiles, circuit breakers, and electrical tape.
Unfortunately, Sherman's employers failed to warn him about the dangers of asbestos exposure, and he never received special gear or equipment to protect him from contamination.
After a long day, Sherman would return home in his work clothes, which were covered with microscopic asbestos fibers. While washing her family's laundry, Burlene unknowingly inhaled these deadly fibers.
In October 2011, doctors discovered that Burlene had malignant pleural mesothelioma - an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure - during a hospital visit prompted by shortness of breath. She was told she had only one year to live.
The months following Burlene's diagnosis proved uncertain and grim, as her chemotherapy treatments began to take a toll on her aging body and forced her to miss out on family, community, and social events.
The Talented Mrs. Jones
Throughout her life, Burlene enjoyed participating in various activities and sharing her talents with those around her.
At a time when many women weren't employed, Burlene worked as a beloved secretary in an office. At home, she was a devoted mother to her three children: Sheryl, Debbie, and Steve.
In her spiritual community, Burlene taught Sunday school, mentored fellow parishioners, played the piano and organ during services, and directed and sang in the church choir. She also performed in a jazz band.
When Burlene and Sherman retired, they frequently traveled to Florida with their family members. After her mesothelioma diagnosis, Burlene was rarely able to enjoy the life she had once lived.
The Cost of Cancer Treatment
Witnessing their mother's fight against mesothelioma was already devastating to Burlene's children. However, a new burden soon began to plague the family: financial hardship.
The expenses associated with Burlene's specialized care were too demanding for the family, whose out-of-pocket contributions would soon be exhausted.
Based on a referral from a friend, the Jones family decided to contact Simmons Hanly Conroy.
"I was not sure what my mother was going to need," explained Debbie Jones, "and we wanted to make sure that my father had the financial backing to do whatever was going to make my mom's end of life the most comfortable."
They knew the firm had the resources to fight for a mesothelioma settlement that could help them pay for some of these costs - and that's exactly what happened.
With the mesothelioma compensation they received, the family was able to afford higher-quality health care services for their mother toward the end of her life.
Gone But Never Forgotten
On August 9, 2012, less than a year after her diagnosis, Burlene lost her battle with mesothelioma. She was 82 and had just celebrated her 63rd wedding anniversary with Sherman.
For over a decade, the Jones family has maintained a relationship with the asbestos lawyers at Simmons Hanly Conroy who handled their case. They've also been active participants in the Miles for Meso race.
"I would like to see people be more supportive of this race just to help educate themselves and their friends. This is an incurable disease, and there's not enough information out there," explained Burlene's daughter Sheryl. "It's great to help raise awareness and some extra money for research."
The family enjoys the annual event as a way to spend time with loved ones while honoring their mother's memory and helping new patients in need.
Support Mesothelioma Victims & Their Families
Burlene's family continues to fight for victims of mesothelioma and remember the joy she brought to all of their lives.
To show your support for the individuals and families impacted by mesothelioma, consider participating in Miles for Meso either in person or virtually.
Participants can register for the race:
- Until August 23 for $35
- Until September 6 for $40
- Until September 13 for $45
For your support, you'll receive a free swag bag that includes a Miles for Meso shirt and other special items. All registration proceeds from the Alton race will benefit the ADAO.
On the day of the race, you can share a picture of yourself running or walking with the hashtag #MilesForMeso on social media to help spread awareness about mesothelioma and the dangers of asbestos.
Join all of us at Simmons Hanly Conroy in honoring the legacy of Burlene and the many others who lost their lives to mesothelioma.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call (800) 326-8900 or get a free legal consultation now to learn more.