For me, December and the holiday season has always been a time to reflect on the past year. A time to remember the challenges that we have overcome; the projects we have conducted; and the objectives that we have accomplished. Below I have compiled the highlights of 2010.
Throughout the year, our lawyers have continued to fight on behalf of victims of 
mesothelioma and their families. This summer, we got a favorable call Simpkins v. CSX Transportation for all families in Illinois affected by a diagnosis of mesothelioma. The Appeals Court of Illinois ruled that employers are not required to inform family members of their employees on the dangers of asbestos exposure take home. The decision sets an important precedent for victims of mesothelioma and their families.
The success of the company did not stop our Mesothelioma practice. This spring, the commercial litigation department obtained a settlement of $ 32 million dollars in an antitrust lawsuit. Then, throughout the year, the Department of Intellectual Property received two preliminary injunctions in separate cases, including one involving camouflage sportswear and vampire welding helmets. This year, once again proved that the partnership with customers, instead of charging exorbitant hourly rates, gets better results, faster.
Our pharmaceutical litigation department gained momentum early in 2010 by achieving leadership roles in cases Yaz and Chantix, two examples of high-profile litigation firm has handled over the years. I think momentum only increase our phrama team continues to advocate for consumer rights and investigate drug pulled from the market by the Food & Drug Administration until 2011.
The mesothelioma community made great progress in 2010 with the rise of efforts to raise awareness of mesothelioma and the dangers of asbestos. We were happy to celebrate more victories with our friends Awareness Organization to asbestos-related diseases and the Foundation for Applied Research mesothelioma. In April, the US Senate adopted a resolution declaring the first week of April Awareness Week to asbestos. Then, in November, after many months of hard work to educate Congressional leaders about the need for greater awareness of mesothelioma, the US House passed a resolution in September 26 National Mesothelioma Awareness Day . The mesothelioma community has also moved into the world of social media. You can now fan of Simmons, Miles for Meso Ban Asbestos Now! MARF and ADAO & Facebook.
In 2010, the company has tripled our own ongoing efforts to promote awareness of mesothelioma becoming the Miles for Meso national sponsor, starting the Simmons Mesothelioma Foundation, and celebrate the opening of the Simmons cancer Institute.
non-profit efforts of the firm has done a lot in 2010 to help cancer patients and communities across the county. The Foundation has established key partnerships with leading medical experts mesothelioma throughout the country, which provides patients with mesothelioma with advanced treatment options regardless of 
from where they are to States United. In addition, the company hosted the Second Annual 5K Alton Miles for Meso Run & Walk, sponsored extra Miles for Meso races in Florida, Indiana and Virginia. The three races combined raised approximately $ 40,000 for research on mesothelioma and attracted just under 1,000 participants.
I am also proud of the work of our employees, through the Simmons Employee Foundation made this year to improve life in our local community. This spring, they hosted their 4 e Dinner annual auction, which raised over $ 0,000 for two charities in the region. Then this fall, annual golf tournament of the employee has raised just over $ 15,000 for two local charities. These two events, while the most visible, are only part of the work and donations from company employees have contributed to their community throughout this economically difficult year.
Looking back, the company has had a very busy 2010. Yet, looking forward to the life 
the company will get even busier. If you have not heard, the company moved its head office in Alton, Illinois. Since the summer, we were renovating the old Jefferson Smurfit building in downtown Alton. It's a beautiful place surrounded by historical brick streets and stunning views of the bridge and the Mississippi River Clark.
As we move into 2011 and literally in our new building, we will continue to fight for the rights of
patients and their families. We will work to raise awareness about mesothelioma, generate funds for research into mesothelioma, and called for legislation prohibiting the use of asbestos. We are grateful for 2010 and look forward to the challenges of the coming year.
Have a happy stay and security, and look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
