The Pacific Mesothelioma Center held it's fourth annual "The Greatest Escape Motorcycle Ride on July 24th, raising both funds and awareness for mesothelioma.

LOS ANGELES , CA, U.S., August 3, 2016 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Pacific Mesothelioma Center (PMC) at the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (PHLBI) hosted the fourth annual The Greatest Escape Motorcycle Ride, presented by Worthington and Caron P.C, on Sunday, July 24. The event raised $61,500 for mesothelioma research, an asbestos-related cancer with few treatment options. The motorcycle ride originated as a tribute to The Great Escape movie, starring actor Steve McQueen, who died of mesothelioma. Since its inception, hundreds have gathered each year to honor those who have lost the fight against mesothelioma and to raise money for research.

Olympic Gold Medalist and celebrity rider Lloyd Eisler rode with a particular goal in mind, honoring his father and raising awareness for this disease. “I have a special connection to mesothelioma as my father passed away five years ago from this disease, and so this ride makes me feel like I can give back. It’s a tough disease - we don’t have a 100% cure for it yet and so it is a cause very dear to my heart which is why I come out and support it” said Eisler.

The air was cool as the event kicked-off at the Glendale Harley-Davidson. More than 200 riders, passengers, and attendees came out to enjoy a scenic ride up to Newcomb’s Ranch in La Canada, CA. The group was escorted by All Cities Transportation Company’s Escort Officers who led a safe and steady ride—with zero stops for traffic lights— through the Angeles Crest Highway with breathtaking views of Los Angeles. Riders were joined by actress Kristy Swanson, Olympic Gold Medalist Lloyd Eisler, actor Larry Wilcox, and actor/professor Roger McGrath, who knew Steve McQueen personally. McGrath said of the ride “It’s not only a great cause, fighting and researching for mesothelioma, but in a way I also consider it a kind of annual memorial for Steve [McQueen]”.

Things heated up at Newcomb’s Ranch where riders were met by other supporters who came out to enjoy the lunch and the concert and who wanted to have fun and make a difference in mesothelioma research. Everyone enjoyed live entertainment by Cherry & the Bulldogs, a delicious BBQ lunch, craft beer by Worthy Brewing Co. and an array of vendors who offered Italian ice to motorcycle gear.There was dozens of prizes in the opportunity drawing such as Harley Davidson motorcycle gear, a getaway to Napa, CA, dinner gift certificates, hotel stays, and much more.

Participants came from all over California to enjoy the ride, and help raise money for this important cause. “It’s been said before, of how the motorcycle community just turns out whenever called upon for a good cause. And for mesothelioma, and veterans, and everyone that this disease has impacted, motorcycles are called upon and they show up” said John Caron of Worthington and Caron, P.C.

About Us: Established in 2002, PHLBI is a 501(c) (3) non-profit medical research institution. The PMC, a division of the PHLBI, is focused on the treatment and prevention of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The PMC serves a growing number of mesothelioma victims by supporting the nation’s first-of-its-kind research lab which provides laboratory-to-the bedside research that improves mesothelioma victims’ lives and longevity. www.PacificMesotheliomaCenter.org.

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Clare Cameron
The Pacific Mesothelioma Center
310-478-4678
email us here

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