Page 16 – August 3-4,2013
Community News
The Putnam Standard
Live - Love - Dance For A Cure! Zumbathon for Mesothelioma SUBMITTED STORY Asbestos is everyone’s problem! Mesothelioma is hard to say, hard to spell and hard to understand! It is a cancer with no cure and very little treatment options at this time. When Missy Dorsey Bowles lost her father to meso five years ago and just three weeks after diagnosis, she knew she had to do something to help others who face this scary diagnosis. "Seeing it take my daddy was heartbreaking and life changing in itself, but knowing others were dying too and knowing how selfless my daddy was, I had to step up in his place and in his name and help others" she says. Usually meso takes those in retirement years due to exposure time and when symptoms start, usually 20-50 years later. Recently Missy has connected with several young people who have received the diagnosis. "I keep fighting for this reason, a 28-year-old boy is fighting for his life and a 36-year-old lost her life just one month ago after fighting her meso battle for 6 years. She leaves behind a husband and a 10 year old son. I have connected with many others living and fighting for their lives through my efforts to raise re-
search funds. It is heartbreaking because asbestos is still not banned in the United States. Something that is SAD and SHOCKING!!! I hope to be a 'go to' for those locally who may need guidance and help if ever they need assistance in getting this diagnosis and give them hope and direction with compassion, because I didn't have this when I needed it." she expresses. Brian Prim with Prim Law Firm in Hurricane, WV has stepped up to sponsor Missy’s events as well as help her in all efforts to make these events successful. “Brian and his staff are a great asset to have on my side,” she quotes, “Without him and participating members, this community fundraiser would not be possible.” Missy also hosts a RODs Benefit for Meso Fundraising Event Day, set for Sept 21, 2013 in Eleanor, WV. This is her 4th year for the 5k run/walk and benefit fun day to bring awareness and raise funds for research. Please keep watch for further announcements about this day as it gets closer. If you LOVE Zumba or have always wanted to try it, please come join this benefit, a great cause and dance to save lives.
Missy and her Daddy. Courtesy photo Bring your friends and/or groups of zumba classes, dress in your favorite purple and lime green attire and come support this cause – Mesothelioma is taking more lives every day. When: August 24, 2013 Where: Poca Middle School Gym Registration: $15 - August 1 ($20 after that date). Noon - 2:00 For more information or registration forms, please visit www.rodsbenefit4meso.webs.co m, call Missy at 304-395-0636 or stop by Generation Impact Center in Poca and see Danielle.
August 24th, 2013 marks the 71st Birthday of Missy's daddy, Richard O. Dorsey and the day for the 2nd Annual Zumbathon for Mesothelioma. Danielle Dunkley (a zumba instructor at Generations in Poca) will be leading the Zumbathon as well as a few other instructors. Danielle has felt the loss from Mesothelioma also, so teaming with Missy to raise awareness and research funds has been a blessing for them both. Danielle (in yellow) with some other Zumba lovers. Courtesy photo