FUNDRAISER PURPOSE: We have set up this fundraiser to help our dear friend, Howard Henderson, in his fight against cancer. As you may know, Howard was recently diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) in the blast phase. It's a type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow and invades the blood. Howard has been in and continues to be in the ICU unit of MD Anderson Cancer Hospital in Houston, Texas. While this Leukemia is treatable, his body of fighting against itself which is currently impacting his kidneys. The immediate concerns are Howard’s oxygen level, which is lower than the doctors would like, and the effects the cancer is having on his kidneys. Prayerfully, the Treatment Team at MD Anderson has developed a treatment plan. Howard is receiving a regiment of oral chemotherapy and blood transfusions, with others to come. He will remain hospitalized at MD Anderson for at least the next 30-45 days. At discharge, Howard will go home for a short period of time, approximately 2-3 weeks, and then return to MD Anderson for other more specific treatment for months to come. Eventually, Howard will need a stem cell transplant (sometimes referred to as bone marrow transplant), a procedure that infuses healthy blood-forming stem cells into the body to replace bone marrow that is not producing enough healthy blood cells. Undoubtedly, the months ahead are going to present a significant battle for Howard (and the family), but we remain optimistic in his ability to fight and ultimately beat this thing!

Howard loves his family dearly. He is and has proudly been the primary breadwinner for Angela, Jordan and Blair. Howard is the sole proprietor of a uniquely specialized national business that utilizes a distinct set of engineering techniques to improve manufacturing product quality through the identification and removal of potential causes of product defects. Unfortunately, his treatment team at MD Anderson has indicated that Howard will be unable to work and provide for his family for at least 6 months. This cancer battle will take a huge toll on Howard and his family emotionally, physically and financially, particularly since insurance is unlikely to pay for all of the necessary medical treatment. While Angela will continue to work throughout Howard’s hospitalization and subsequent treatment, any relief we can give her is welcomed. Our hope is that we as a “VILLAGE” can ease the burden and concerns related to the continued operation of the Henderson household. As such, we have quietly set up this fundraiser on behalf of the Hendersons. Any and ALL funds raised will go directly to the Henderson family to be used for medical expenses and insurance deductibles, meals, associated expenses with Howard’s extended stay in the hospital now and going forward and any unexpected expenses.

Howard is selfless. He is the first person to step in and provide his time, guidance, support and prayers to anyone and for anything. As Howard’s sole focus should be on healing without financial worries, please show your love and support by considering making a monetary donation. A donation of any size will help ease the burden for the Henderson family at this trying time. Thank you in advance for your consideration to give.

FUNDRAISER ORGANIZERS: The fundraiser organizers are Monica Proffitt Osborne and Lisha Lacy Cobham, longtime friends of Howard Henderson and Angela Ambers-Henderson. Specifically, Angela and I (Monica) have been friends for approximately 30 years after meeting as "young" attorneys at the Public Defender's Office in Philadelphia. Angela is the Godmother to one of my three children, and I proudly refer to her as my "partner-in-crime." Lisha and Angela are sorority sisters in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and have been friends for 35 years. Lisha is partially responsible for the Hendersons moving from Illinois to Texas 8 years ago and is the Godmother to Jordan and Blair. She proudly introduced the Hendersons to their church-home, the Fort Bend Church in Sugar Land, Texas, and the Chi Omicorn Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Through our, mine and Lisha's, 30+ year friendship with Angela, we have developed a close relationship with Howard.