Miles for Mesa; Running for a Cause
March 5, 2020
Participants showed up bright and early the morning of Feb., 29 to register and run for Miles for Mesa. Mesa Orth was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia Dec. 2018, and recently finished her last chemotherapy treatment.
Miles for Mesa is an event that was held on Feb. 29, 2019, all of the proceeds from the event went directly to COTA, the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, to help pay for children’s medical transplants.
All proceeds were made in honor of Mesa Orth for any transplant related expenses. The event included a 5k run and also a 1 mile fun run.
By the registration area there was a table featuring Mesa’s art, and T-shirts designed by her that were on sale for people to purchase, participants could also buy many other items from the event including bracelets and necklaces.
Teachers, parents, and students alike came together to support CHS student Mesa Orth. Amongst the teacher runners was one of CHS’ own, Jessica Furman. She participates in many events that are similar to this one.
“Every race I do is for some sort of cause and the fact that its local, and supporting one of our own coyotes.” Furman said, “I would love to see more people out here next year, because it’s for an awesome cause.”
The event was put together by STUCO,Combs High School’s student council, to support Orth and her Family.
“The student council contacted us and asked what they could do and I said I really wanted to do a 5K run and I think that would be a really good way to raise money to help with all of her medical bills.” Kelly Orth, Mesa Orth’s mother, said.
Any further support for Orth and her family can be made by viewing and purchasing items from their shop on Etsy where people can view and purchase all the things that were also available at the Miles for Mesa run to help support the family and help pay medical bills. The shop is called Cotaformesa and can be found on Etsy.
“Any little bit people can contribute is helpful and we are really hoping for the run to be a success to get us over the last hump.” Orth said, weeks before the event.
