Thursday, June 6, 2013

Purple War




CEDAR HILLS -- Friends and neighbors of Trisha Howard are going to war -- a purple war.
The fight is against Hodgkin's lymphoma, something Howard is battling for the fourth time.

Howard is a little embarrassed by the attention, but also grateful.  "It is so sweet," she said. "My neighbors are awesome."  Howard said she cannot work as much as she would like to because of her treatments. The proceeds from the Purple War will cover medical costs and other expenses.

Organizers are hoping a family fun run, bake sale and handmade items to sell for the Purple War will raise funds for Howard's family and her battle.

The activities will be part of the Cedar Hills' Family Festival. The run will be held on June 6 and the sales will be held on June 8 during the parade and festival.  Purple is the official color of the disease, according to 15-year-old Madison Proffit, who is organizing the fundraiser. Proffit planned a fundraiser two years ago for a neighbor with leukemia and decided to do it every year for a different person. Last year, a fundraiser was held for a person suffering from cerebral palsy and this year, Proffit chose Howard.

The one-mile run is free.  "We're hoping to get donations," she said. At last year's event, $8,000 was raised.
"We're hoping to get at least that this year," Proffit said.

Beating the disease for the first time at age 7, Howard did not think it would return. However, in the past five years, she has beaten it two additional times. Now it is back yet again.  The disease has taken a toll on Howard's body. She will have a valve replaced in her heart next month and has lung damage. She has undergone five different chemotherapy regimens and radiation three different times. She has also had a bone marrow transplant.  Despite feeling exhausted much of the time and using portable oxygen, Howard is hoping to attend the Purple War.  "I'm really hoping to go," she said.

Howard, who lives in Cedar Hills with her husband and family of five children, keeps a positive outlook amid the challenges.  "There's not much point in whining," she said.

The Fun Run will begin at 8 p.m. at the Heritage Park parking lot, 4425 W. Cedar Hills Drive. The bake sale, along with a table full of donated handmade items for sale, will be held during the parade along the parade route and after the parade at the park. Supporters will be wearing purple and white shirts in honor of Howard.
--Daily Herald, May 26, 2013
Trish Howard is my VT companion and I've learned a lot from her.  Not only have I seen what "endure to the end" really means, but I've seen patience, kindness and love radiating from this amazing woman.  She has definitely been dealt a horrible hand of life experiences, but I've seen how she has come out on top with joy and love for our Savior Jesus Christ.  She is my hero and we were glad to join in the festivities of the Fun Run and support her in this time of need.  Thanks to Maddie Proffit (in YW with Rian) for being a great example in our community.

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