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Hope4Harper event draws crowd, support
By Dan Eakin, deakin@starlocalnews.com
Little Harper Howard of Carrollton was born about two and a half years ago with a disorder that only about 500 people in the world have. It is called CDKL5, a generic disorder which results in seizures and often death.
Harper and her parents, Dustin and Penny Howard, and grandmother Shirley Howard, were on hand Saturday morning at Andy Brown Park West in Coppell to see a great outpouring of support for their efforts to find a cure for the disorder.
More than $8,000 was raised, including registration fees from the 120 who ran the 5K race, sponsorships by area businesses and donations from individuals.
"However, many of them donated above the registration fee," Penny Howard said.
The race started at 8 a.m. and about 22 minutes later, Eric Madden of Coppell came in first, about an eighth of a mile ahead of anybody else.
But the greatest victory may have been for Harper herself, who sat quietly in her little baby buggy, possibly unaware of the great outpouring of love and support for her in her dilemma.
Several sponsors had set up booths and tables at the park and several individuals dropped by just to make a donation and show their support for the event.
Harper, who has a sister named Emily, 4, was born April 12, 2010, to the Carrollton couple and was soon diagnosed with the rare disorder.
CDKL5 produces seizures, sensory issues, gastrointestinal difficulties, visual impairment and other symptoms, along with severely delayed mental and physical development growth. Most of those affected are confined to wheelchairs without the ability to communicate or care for themselves.
Hope4Harper was developed as a nonprofit corporation exclusively for serving charitable, educational awareness and scientific purposes related to providing hope for those living with the CDKL5 disorder and other diseases that may be viewed as similar.
"We are working with Dr. Frences Jensen, a renowned epileptologist and 2012 president of the American Epilepsy Society," Penny Howard said, "in an effort to stop seizure in CDKL5 affected children."
She added, "The goal is to make a difference in the lives of children who are asking for the help of others to find a cure and help to find a voice."
The next Hope4Harper event will be called Hoarding4Harper, which will be a sale in a store at Trinity Plaza in Carrollton. Clothing, furniture and other items are now being donated to sell at the event.
Anyone wishing to contribute items or funds for the Hope4Harper campaign may call the Howards at 214-529-6952. Checks may be mailed to Hope4Harper, 4603 Dusk Meadow Drive, Carrollton, TX 75010.
For information, go to www.hope4harper.com or email hope@hope4harper.com.
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