Simmons Hanly Conroy has pledged more than $21 million to cancer research and is a top supporter of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, with more than $2 million in cumulative donations. The firm also supports the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, the International Mesothelioma Program, as well as several cancer research centers throughout the country.

It is our hope that someday we won’t have any more clients diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related cancer because doctors will have found a cure for these rare and preventable diseases.

Until that day arrives, we will continue to provide our clients with passionate legal representation. We will also continue to support mesothelioma doctors and advocacy organizations in their work to find better treatment options and a cure.

Simmons Hanly Conroy has pledged $10.2 million to fund a new cancer institute at Southern Illinois University (SIU). The institute is providing extraordinary new resources to enhance treatments and continue the search for a permanent cure. It is the largest single gift in the history of SIU and has established the university as home to one of the leading cancer facilities in the United States.

“We believe this is the only instance where a law firm has made such a sizable commitment in this area of vital medical research,” said John Simmons, founder of Simmons Hanly Conroy. “The firm has been at the forefront in fighting for justice for cancer victims. We will continue to show that commitment with our hearts and with our pocketbook.”

Read more about the Simmons Cancer Institute now.

Jayne and John Simmons gave the Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Law a gift of $10 million, the largest SIU Carbondale has ever received. This historic donation will enhance and expand the opportunities for generations of students and faculty to come, helping more great legal minds to follow in John’s footsteps.

In honor of the donation, the university will name the law school the SIU Simmons Law School.

“The SIU university system has provided me with many opportunities to better my life. A thriving law school will help support others in southern Illinois who are working hard day-to-day to improve their own lives,” John said. “We would really like people to look at SIU Simmons Law School as an attainable place where they are welcome, they belong and they can thrive.”

Simmons Hanly Conroy employees also work to help their local communities. Through the SHC Foundation’s Employee Committee, our staff donates their time, energy and money to help those in need.

Since 2004, employees have donated more than $1 million to a variety of nonprofit organizations. The committee also coordinates several events to collect money, food and clothing each year.

Annual events include:

• A golf tournament fundraiser
• A food drive
• Adopt-a-Family and other holiday giving programs

The committee’s efforts extend to all Simmons Hanly Conroy offices across the country to help as many people as possible.

Simmons Hanly Conroy promotes community involvement through the Miles for Meso race. The Miles for Meso race allows mesothelioma survivors, loved ones and community members to take action against this cancer and honor those who have died.

Since the first race in September 2009, Miles for Meso has raised over $925,000 for mesothelioma research and asbestos awareness groups.

Miles for Meso has also expanded throughout the country. Today, as the national presenting sponsor, Simmons Hanly Conroy has sponsored races in 11 different states, including Illinois, Florida, Washington and Ohio.

Simmons Hanly Conroy is proud to go the distance for patients and families — not just in the courtroom but also in support of the search for a mesothelioma cure and raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos.