Brother saves Hammond cop's life

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BY VANESSA RENDERMAN
vrenderman@nwitimes.com
219.933.3241 | Wednesday, September 03, 2008 | (73 comment(s))

HAMMOND | When Kris Howard celebrates his birthday from now on, his youngest brother, Trace Howard, gets the first piece of cake.

It's the least he can do.

Kris Howard, a 31-year-old Hammond police corporal, battled cancer and needed a life-saving bone marrow transplant to help keep it away. His brother, now a 17-year-old senior at Clark High School, was the best match.

"I don't think he actually understands he's my hero," Kris Howard said of his brother.

In April 2007, Kris Howard was diagnosed with stage four non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The treatment kept him away from his job for 375 days, and hospital stays were hard to explain to his son Ricky, now 5.

His wife, Anna Howard, was pregnant with their son, Andrew, who recently turned 1. She was in her senior year of college and wanted to quit, but Kris Howard wouldn't let her. He wanted her to have a degree in case he didn't survive. Someone needed to support the family, he said.

Anna Howard has since earned a degree in elementary education.

Kris Howard is doing well these days. His cancer is gone, and checkups every six weeks help ensure it stays at bay. He is more goal-oriented and doesn't take life so seriously.

In April, he returned to patrolling the streets of Hammond, now with the youth of a 17-year-old running through his veins, he jokes.

"I always say that I gave him my awesomeness," Trace Howard said.

The process involved the younger Howard taking injections twice a day in the days leading up to the procedure. The injections made his stem cells go into his bloodstream to be harvested in a process called apheresis.

After his blood was drawn from one arm, the stem cells were taken out, and the remainder was re-injected into his other arm. For six hours, Trace Howard was in a hospital bed and wasn't allowed to move, said their mother, Jenny Howard.

She said she relied on prayer for a successful outcome.

"I was just praying that all of it was going to work out," she said. "I really believe in the power of prayer."

Kris Howard treats the day of his transplant, Oct. 25, 2007, as a second birthday.

And two weeks before his first second birthday, Kris Howard and his wife are going to run in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Proceeds will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

To help
To support Kris and Anna Howard's fundraising efforts as they run in the 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October, visit www.teamintraining.org and click on "find a participant" and "fall events." Type in "Kris Howard" to donate.

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Compassionate to All wrote on Sep 16, 2008 12:49 PM:

" It is very easy to get bitter and angry when you have gone through extreme hardship of some kind. Just because an article was written about this family does not mean that the bitter, angry people need to come out and attack. Everyone has a hardship of some kind to deal with. To those on this blog: if you have gone through something difficult in your life, maybe you should think before you speak harsh words over someone else and their family. I highly doubt that what Kris went through was "nothing". Anyone who has had a medical problem in their life, knows it's something. It affects everyone around them. Who cares if an article was written about this family and not another? So what? It's the compassion and love that people give to each other that makes them the true heroes in our world today. A story about a family who was strong enough to stick together and love each other through is a great story. It would be awesome to hear more stories like this. Let's get the ball rolling and start loving each other and share our heroes everyday. "

to Humane Society WorkerNurse wrote on Sep 16, 2008 11:36 AM:

" So right, she chose to do those things. Noone ever said she complained about it. Someone just said that they thought it was admireable. As for Trace being a hero - I guess it depends on your definition of hero. I think when someone steps up to the plate, as Trace did - who mind you was only 16 yrs. old. - that would mean they are a hero. Yes, a family member can be a hero in someone's eyes. If you truly do take care of cancer patients, then you would understand how horrible it is to go through cancer. All of the horrible side affects with puking, sleepiness, meds, etc. What Kris went through was not nothing. You -being such a great humane worker/nurse- should be one of compassion, not bitterness. I would hate for you to be my nurse. Again, heroism depends on your definition. Obviously, Kris was just trying to tell his brother how much he appreciates and loves him. Keep your head up Trace. You are a true hero. "

Humane Society WorkerNurse wrote on Sep 10, 2008 3:23 PM:

" Ok, everyone has a good point in their opinions. The best thing I can say is that, yes, it is Anna's job to take care of her husband, SICK OR HEALTHY, to take care of her kids, OR SHE SHOULDN'T HAVE POPPED THEM OUT, go to school, SHE CHOSE TO! Those are all the things that are of a wife to do, I am a woman too. As far as Trace being a hero, not in any sort is he a hero. Family comes together, that was his job to help his brother, hero? ABSOLUTELY NOT! As for the media coverage, it is not appropriate not is it neccessary. There are stories that are touching that deserve time in the news, not something this petty. I see cancer everyday, what Kris had was nothing, live in the day of one of my patients and then talk. This is nothing but a family doing THEIR JOB! There is nothing of heroism in this story! "

Hey The good news... wrote on Sep 9, 2008 2:15 PM:

" Why don't you keep your opinion to yourself! "

Sick People wrote on Sep 9, 2008 1:25 PM:

" Marriage and family are hard enough when everyone is healthy and no one goes into either hoping for an illness. Yes, she took the vows but not everyone honors them. They are not calling themselves super heros or asking for special favors or recognition from anyone. The paper simply decided to write something positive about a man who survived cancer and the family that stood by his side and yes, he happens to be a police officer. I can't believe the negative and oh so ignorant comments. This is horrible and you people should be ashamed of yourselves. "

The good news... wrote on Sep 9, 2008 9:00 AM:

" is that most comments here are and started off positive! "Lifer" was the first positive comment followed by others... until "Aaron the narcissist" decided he was the only hero on planet earth. Well, God bless him! And God bless the Howards! What a wonderful story! "

Hess wrote on Sep 9, 2008 5:49 AM:

" I know Kris, he's a good man and consider him a friend. I'm glad his brother came to his aid, and I'm glad he will watch his child grow older. What's wrong with showing what one brother feels about the other. especially when he saves his life. "

AMBER wrote on Sep 8, 2008 2:57 PM:

" I'VE GOT TO TELL YOU THIS A FEEL GOOD STORY. IT BROUGHT A FEW TEARS TO MY EYES. I KNOW THIS FAMILY AND I THINK EVERYONE DESERVES THE RIGHT TO A LITTLE RECOGNITION. WHAT TRACE DID WAS SELFLESS. END OF STORY. ANNA, HOLD YOUR HEAD UP HIGH. YOU STUCK BY KRIS OUT OF LOVE AND NOT SENSE OF OBLIGATION. HE'S A GREAT GUY. GOD BLESS AND TAKE CARE, PS I MISS RICKY. SEE YOU AT THE DRS. OFFICE. "

Remember Your Oath wrote on Sep 8, 2008 2:32 PM:

" again, FOR RICHER OR POOR, IN SICKNESS AND HEALTH. IT IS ANNA'S JOB TO TAKE CARE OF HIM AND THE CHILDREN, IF SHE CAN'T HANDLE IT, SHE SHOULDN'T HAVE HAD KIDS. It's not brave or courage, it's what a wife does!! "

Nicole Meljanac wrote on Sep 8, 2008 2:29 PM:

" It is amazing to see this story. After reading the story, I read the comments, this is dispicable, whether you are a person that likes what happened or don't like that a man had his precious life saved by a hero! YES, A HERO, then don't comment. I don't know the family in any way but I know that it took a lot of courage for Trace to do what he did, it is not easy to do that. I know a lot of soldiers and I respect them as well, there are many a hero out there, I really don't think you are one of them. You are nothing short of a jealous pathetic human that wants to see your name written and fights started. Please leave if you have nothing good to say, I remember my mother saying if I had nothing nice to say not to say anything at all, apparently, your mother did not teach you that. "

Well Said Ron wrote on Sep 8, 2008 1:40 PM:

" I couldn't have said it better. "

YOU PEOPLE ARE SICK wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:44 PM:

" JUST BECAUSE HE'S A HAMMOND COP, I KNOW THAT'S NOT A GOOD THING, BUT HIS BROTHER DID SOMETHING THAT IS GREAT I'M SICK OF READING NOTHING BUT BAD IN THE PAPER THIS IS A GOOD THING. GET YOUR HEAD OUT THE TOILET. "

Amazing wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:30 PM:

" I still do not understand how anyone reading this story can find anything negative. The jealousy in the comments is sad. Sickness is sickness and if you do not have the family support that others may or do, then look to your family and not be mad at someone else for having a good family support. It is all in the upbringing. My siblings and I were raised to help and take care of each other not matter what and obviously so were Kris, Ana and Trace. Such a sad world we live in that people can be find something wrong with a story about someone who survived cancer. His family didn't pay for him to get anything, no strings were pulled, it was about a brothers love. "

So Cal Ron wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:01 AM:

" Obviously Aaron-munster has some kind of a beef and seeks his own recognition and gets irate because that recognition went to someone else. IF in fact you were any kind of military, you are bringing shame to your unit. STAND DOWN!!!! "

First Amendment wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:08 AM:

" You need to check the First Amendment of the Constitution Mr. Aaron. You know, the little piece of paper that guarantees our rights as US citizens?

I doubt that you know what it is. I also doubt that you served this country. I have never heard a soldier refer to a tour of duty as "battle" and they don't refer to face scarves or headresses as "blankets". "

To American... wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:03 AM:

" Why don't you do something about getting yourself out of here...? "

To Aaron-Munster wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:59 AM:

" It is our right to speak just as it is yours. "

Robertsdale Resident wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:57 AM:

" So, only people who are trained to kill are heros and those that save lives are not? Wow! Are your people's priorities screwed up! Thank you to all of the people who have seen combat you are heros and have my gratitude. But, so do Trace for saving a life!! I guess Aaron Munster and his cronies would have rather seen your brother die... "

Aaron-Munster wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:06 AM:

" You all obviously can't read. You have no comprehension of what I am trying to say. Please do your research and read into FACTS before you think it is your right to speak. "

So Cal Ron wrote on Sep 7, 2008 9:09 PM:

" To Aaron-Munster (who it seems just likes to see his name in print) and all of the many naysayers: You all seem to think you know what a hero is and all of you seem to think that your own brand of suffering qualifies you for recognition. A true hero does not seek to be recognized as such. If Kris was on a call and had to run into a burning building to save a life, surely he would be a hero. He would say that he was just doing his job. Kris says Trace is his hero. Trace would tell you that he was just doing what any brother would do. "

To Aaron-Munster wrote on Sep 7, 2008 5:56 PM:

" I'm sure this kid didn't ask for this recognition. I'm sure it was someone else's idea to put him in the paper for such a heroic act because I highly doubt when he decided to donate his marrow to his brother he did it for the ego trip. That's all you are asking for is something to feed your ego. Heroes don't WANT recognition. They don't see themselves as heroes. They see themselves as doing their jobs and if you got into the military to proclaim yourself as a hero you definitely got in for the wrong reason. You don't have this country in mind, you have yourself in mind. As Mark Twain once said, "It is better to deserve honors and not have them than to have them and not deserve them." Go look for your recognition somewhere else. Oh and for the record, I don't hate soldiers. I'm proud of our soldiers. At least the ones who really do have our country in their heart and mind while fighting for our freedom. "

NHL-Survivor wrote on Sep 7, 2008 4:48 PM:

" I think its great that these two are running a marathon. I didn't think it was possible to run a marathon after having new bone marrow. I wasn't able to perform many normal everyday things like cutting grass for 9 months after my bone marrow transplant. Keep up the good work and hopefully someone else will be inspired by this story. "

Troubled wrote on Sep 7, 2008 10:20 AM:

" I was troubled when I first read this, but then I realized that it is probably the same guy with all the negativity after re-reading the comments. Good luck with the Marathon and your family. "

Hero Hugger wrote on Sep 5, 2008 2:12 PM:

" This was a great story, too bad about the negative comments. Bless you all. "

Happy wrote on Sep 5, 2008 10:40 AM:

" Anyone who knows the Howard family, knows that this is not the only difficult time they have gotten through. I think being able to be there for each other and continue to perservere through the difficult times is commendable. Kris and Anna are wonderful, kind people. And their children are absolutely adorable! What Trace Howard did, is so commendable! He is a hero. Great job Trace! You have shown others what love means! "

Amazed wrote on Sep 5, 2008 10:19 AM:

" Wow! There sure is alot of negativity on this page. I must say I'm quite surprised. This article is all about a boy who saved his brother's life by being a bone marrow donor - which, yes, now is considered a stem cell transplant. I think it's amazing that a boy - not a man - stepped up and gave his brother the help that was needed. It's great to know that there are people who can still count on their family. It sounds like the Howard family has been able to lean on each other through their difficult time. That is wonderful! What's even more wonderful is that this man, Kris, will get to spend the rest of his life with his children. His children are the ones who have truly benefited from something like this because they still get to have their father. Now, if this isn't a great story about love and family, then I don't know what is. Congrats to the Howard family! Good luck to Kris and Anna with the Chicago Marathon run in October! To be able to finish, is an accomplishment alone. "

Nicole-Highland To Understanding One wrote on Sep 5, 2008 10:12 AM:

" Also, I forgot to mention. Laurie is an angel and a blessing. God Bless her as well as you all. Maybe one day we will understand why it is the innocent good people that come down with this and not the ones that commit crimes and are total wastes in this society. "

Nicole-Highland To Understanding One wrote on Sep 5, 2008 10:10 AM:

" Thank you for your post, it's very deep and true.

My 60 year old mom has been fighting this breast cancer for a year and a half, it's one of the most drowning feelings in this world. It's even harder to know there are many bad people in this world that deserve this for killing someone, etc but it is the good ones that get sick. To watch someone fade slowly and miserably and tell them that it will be ok, to watch them suffer and know that in this case, it's inoperable and there is nothing you can do about it, it's the hardest thing I have ever done. I wouldn't wish this upon my worst enemy.

We all have demons, we handle them different as people.

God Bless anyone that goes through anything like this, EVERYONE is a hero in their own way, not just one or two people. Soldiers, fire fighters, officers, teachers, ECSPECIALLY CANCER PATIENTS, everyone has something that makes them a hero. "

Remember Your Oath wrote on Sep 5, 2008 8:50 AM:

" For Richer Or For Poor, IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH! "

Understanding One wrote on Sep 5, 2008 8:26 AM:

" I'm sorry to hear that your wife has been battling cancer. I wish you,her, and your family the best. I've known a few people myself who have gone through breast cancer and lung cancer. It's definitely not an easy task to go through chemotherapy treatments along with other new ideas the doctors might have. So,then you know that battling cancer must not have been easy on Kris or his family. You know this especially since your wife is battling this.

"You have no idea what it is to take care of what you have to."

Reading that comment and knowing your story, tells me that although you know how difficult it can be when someone in the family has cancer. How do you know the Howards haven't been through the same? What makes you think they've had it so easy and have had all the help in the world? Because an article was written about them?

My family had struggles. My daughter was born prematurely with a 45% chance at life. Then,to top it off she developed leukemia at 5. Noone wrote about us, but my wife & I are blessed to have had Laurie. "

To Aaron wrote on Sep 5, 2008 8:24 AM:

" I agree with you totally on the media part and I commend you for taking care of your friends family. You fought for and protected our country and constitution, which gives people the right to free speech, and now you tell me because I wasn't in battle so I can't have an opinion??? I see your point about looking into your friends eyes while they are dying. I'm sure that moment was excruciating. I would ask you to consider being on the other side, and instead of a moment your painful death lasting months or even years. And all the while you have to look into your loved ones eyes and tell them every thing is going to be ok. I have been through this both as the paitent and as a family member. I recieved the same transplant as this officer, except that the stem cells were my own(I guess that makes me my own hero). The point is the constitution was written for EVERYONE, we don't get to pick and choose.

BTW - this kid didn't give bone marrow, he gave stem cells, which is no different than giving blood. "

Virginia-Hammond wrote on Sep 5, 2008 4:27 AM:

" Honestly I hope these people with all of their negative comments and the people who dont have the decency to stop and just drop it are teenagers...let it go honeslty grow up and be an adult!!! Why keep putting someone down for being able to continue their life. And for putting someone down for being a hero to his older brother. It was really nice for kris to come on here and thank everyone. I really hope all the negativity ends soon!!!! "

RE To Come On People wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:20 PM:

" Yes, I have a family, kids and all of that. My wife has been fighting breast cancer for 2 years, I know what it means to do MORE than what Anna EVER did. You people have no idea what a hero is. You have no idea what it is to take care of what you have to. Most people are NOT entitled to an opinion when they have NEVER been through something like I have. It's hard to feel compassion for ANYONE when I have not gotten help, recognotion or anything. Some might say it's jealousy, it's truth. You DO have to know someone to get help in this world, just like aaron said. Spoiled brats. "

To Come On People wrote on Sep 4, 2008 6:26 PM:

" Let me ask you a question. Do you have children? Have you ever taken care of a sick spouse? All I was saying is that there are mothers out there who would not have stuck it out as Anna supposedly did. Being a mother of four, I think that it is excellent she was able to do what she did - to be there for her family. Are you a provider for your family? If so, then you too are a hero in your own way. Taking care of four children and working part-time has it's difficult times. I can't imagine having to take care of a sick spouse on top of it all. It's a pity that you do not seem to know what makes a person strong. For the record, I also believe that Trace and Kris are strong people. For Trace to have been a bone marrow donor - he must be strong. For Kris to have battled cancer and beat it - that also makes him strong. "

Gina -Hammond wrote on Sep 4, 2008 4:35 PM:

" congrats and good luck with the marathon!!! i'm sure you'll do great. this was a good story that i actually enjoyed reading. It's a shame that people always have to be so negative, with some of the comments,but what comes around goes around. Keep your head high. Thank you for serving my community. : ) "

Come On People.. wrote on Sep 4, 2008 3:05 PM:

" So, just becuase Anna continued school, took care of the kids, DID HE JOB as a mother and wife, that makes her strong? Give me a break! This is a shame! A PITY! WAH! WAH! WAH! This is not heroism! AT ALL. END OF STORY! FACT! "

Nicole Meljanac-Highland wrote on Sep 4, 2008 1:49 PM:

" Kristopher, I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of your brother. This is amazing, I hope one day, we can all have such a heartfelt story like this in our lives. God Bless you all, Kris, I hope to never meet you on the street sof Hammond :). I would like to meet you one day to shake your hand and say God Bless. "

mystery wrote on Sep 4, 2008 12:31 PM:

" Congratulations to the Howard family on making it through the tough times! In my opinion, they are all heroes! Trace is a huge hero for saving his brother's life. Kris is a hero, as well as his wife, Anna, who had the responsibilities of taking care of the children, the household, Kris, and school. What a great woman to be able to come out on top after all that! And to be able to handle all of that is amazing. Anna must be a strong woman. And she is an inspiration and great role model to all other moms dealing with tremendous stress. Way to go Howard family!!! God Bless you all and your children! "

had enough wrote on Sep 4, 2008 10:46 AM:

" My father is a veteran marine and yes, he too has seen the detruction that war brings on. It is not something that anyone wants to see or be in. Now, enough of the harsh argumentative words. Reading most of these comments are like listening to children battling back and forth. Step up to the plate and be true hero and be quiet. Yes, there are facts that should be dealt with. Seriously though, this is not the time to be doing that. You want the facts out there, then go tell the paper to take care of it. This is ridiculous. Give the boy some respect and shut up already. Trace deserves to be known as a hero also. Soldiers are not the ONLY heroes in this world. There are MANY wonderful human beings who are heroes. And yes, that does include soldiers. However, there is a time and place for everything, and these argumentative ways don't deserve a place on this page. So grow up y'all and get over it. Stop acting like children. "

Kristopher Howard wrote on Sep 4, 2008 10:02 AM:

" I have read the comments and I appreciate the kinds words and opinions of everyone towards my brother Trace. I myself know what a HERO is. My brother Trace is my HERO. He saved my life.

TO AMERICAN: I have served my country as a Soldier in the National Guard. So by your standards, I should know what a hero is. "

AMERICAN wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:12 AM:

" I agree with Aaron, until you FIGHT WAR or are a SOLDIER, you don't know what a hero is. Get these fools out of here! "

Aaron-Munster To Real Heroes wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:00 AM:

" Wow, you have no respect and don't deserve to be in public much less have an opinion. Also, please go back to your days of school and read what I have written, I have not once knocked this family down, NOT ONCE. It has nothing to do with them, I am merey factualy pointing out the stupidity of our media. That is all. Until you have held your best friend while he is shot in the heart and takes a picture of his kids out and tells you to take care of them (in which they live with my wife, kids and I), you have no idea what a hero is. "

Real heroes wrote on Sep 4, 2008 8:07 AM:

" Hey Aaron, I think you need a lesson in what a real hero is. Simply serving your country or community doesn't make you a hero, you must do so with honor and live your life honorably. There is good and bad in every line of work.
That said, the true measure of a hero is often in that they do things quietly and anonymously, not seeking recognition or praise. By that measure, you my friend, fail the hero test. "

Virginia-Hammond wrote on Sep 4, 2008 2:21 AM:

" I have a family member that was severly hurt in Iraq...menatally and physically he is not the same person...his story was never published in the papers and that does not upset my family or myself...This story about a wonderful young man helping his brother in a great time of need deserved to make headlines!!!! exspecially at such a young age for his brother to step up and be a man is a very wonderful thing....Cops fight everyday they have many different battles whether it be on the streets or at home...kris and his brother are both heroes who both deserve to be recognized!!!!! "

Aaron-Munster listen up wrote on Sep 4, 2008 12:22 AM:

" Aaron, how respectful are you being to this family by knocking them down? Do you feel that because you have been to war, it is okay to say that a 16 year old boy is not allowed to be recognized for saving a life? You are a hero to many. Why not allow a very young hero to be recognized? Being a bone marrow donor at the age of 16 is definitely a selfless act of heroism. Do you not agree? After all, this boy not only saved his brother's life, but provided his nephews the opportunity to still have a father. "

santiyaga wrote on Sep 4, 2008 12:16 AM:

" I'm wondering how this article of love in a family brought on such a dishonor of argument. Maybe, Aaron, not all heroes get their names in the paper or get much recognition at all. Yes, it is very unfortunate that there are soldiers serving our country that have not gotten the recognition they so much deserve. This article is not about a police officer getting recognition for beating cancer. Much more than that, it is about a 16 year old boy who SAVED his older brother's life by being a BONE MARROW DONOR. How many people these days are organ donors? How many people these days can say they have been an organ donor? A 16 year old, TRACE HOWARD, DESERVES the recognition that this article has provided him. It's not about us. It's not about being selfish or angry that our names are not in the paper. There are many heroes out in the world. But many of them are adults. How many kids do you know that are true heroes? "

judyh wrote on Sep 3, 2008 5:59 PM:

" As a nonhodgkins lymphoma patient I am so encouraged by this story. God Bless the Howard family, you are so lucky to have each other. I am also the mom of a Soldier and I can relate to all.We are all lucky to be in the USA. Life is very precious, never take anything for granted. "

Dede wrote on Sep 3, 2008 5:50 PM:

" I personally know Kris and Anna and they are wonderful people and I am so happy to know Kris is doing better.People need to look at the person not their jobs and hope for the best for that person and their health and well being. The Howard family has been thru alot over the years so Iam glad to know life is getting better for them. "

Less Aaron wrote on Sep 3, 2008 5:03 PM:

" This story should be less about Aaron and more about what happens when someone is selfless enough to do something that can save a life. Im glad that it worked out for a happy ending for the Howard family.

I love the fact that this kid stepped up and it couldn't have been easy. Imagine what he could have felt if the transplant didn't work. It had to be a lot for him to worry about considering his brother's survival depended on him.

Kudos to Trace "

HEIDI wrote on Sep 3, 2008 4:32 PM:

" I agree with Aaron. I understand you completely. However, I'm a journalist myself and the reporter simply did a personality feature. It's just one angle of writing out of many. Had he written an article on how cancer affects many people in the region...it would've been a human interest feature. By the way, I'm a combat journalist, and a Marine. "

Aaron-Munster To Proud American wrote on Sep 3, 2008 4:01 PM:

" that even in hard times, life is still worth living...

I praise this line right here.

Also, you are all reading into what I say in a negative way, please understand that what I say is factual.

One more thing I want to add is AN EXAMPLE: please correct me if I am wrong, if my wife and daughter went to Pakistan/Afghanistan, they would have to cover their faces with blankets, no? Well, those women that come here MUST take their blankets off their face, RESPECT OUR CULTURE LIKE MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER WOULD HAVE TO RESPECT YOURS! It's common sense and respect, they come here without it and that is what is killing our country! "

proud american wrote on Sep 3, 2008 3:20 PM:

" Okay Aaron.. We understand you must want to open the morning paper and read about all the horrible things happening in our neighboring communities instead of reading an inspiration story of character and love of life. I know many veterans under the age of 24, plenty of my friends including my sons father enlisted after september 11th. I am very proud of them, everyday. They make make me proud to be an american. I too am proud of you, and thank you for what you've done for our country. This story is simply to show all the people out there who dont know, that even in hard times, life is still worth living... And just think about it for a minute, if we didnt have cops like Kris there would be no need for our soldiers to be over seas fighting because we'd need you here fighting the war against gang bangers, drug dealer, theifs, etc... I'm glad they printed this story it shows we have dedicated police officers who actually want to make a difference even after the uncertainty of they're life... keep your head up Aaron and try to see the brighter side of things... "

An Idea wrote on Sep 3, 2008 3:03 PM:

" I think The Times should get hold of Aaron-Munster so we can have a front page story about his life, his trials, and his tribulations. I am sure everyone would love to delve into the mind and soul of someone who just can't be happy for someone for giving someone another chance at life. I'd read it. "

To Aaron-Munster from Susan wrote on Sep 3, 2008 2:58 PM:

" The article is about someone who got over cancer with the help from his younger brother. It also states that they are running a marathon to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Now do you think that the only reason this is news is because he's a cop? Maybe it's about family. "

Aaron-Munster wrote on Sep 3, 2008 2:38 PM:

" Also, I don't hate officers, they keep our kids safe not to mention most people that don't deserve to be safe, after what I have seen in this world, I don't even hate religions, if I did, I wouldn't bash them, yes, maybe some people when coming from other countries should NOT PREACH their culture but conform to ours as we would theirs, but, I don't go around hating people. God Bless this family but it's not fair becuase one is a cop that his story hits the papers and everyone else is on a backburner. It's prejudice and spiteful. IF YOU DON'T SEE THAT. DON'T GO IN PUBLIC. Also, you want to critisize what I do? I'd like to see you in Iraq or Yugo for ONE DAY and not cry like a baby for your mother, I have been in battle FOUR times. Don't even try to put me down, you don't know what it is to see what I see, so, please go about your coffee mornings and steak dinners. "

a hopeful angel of God wrote on Sep 3, 2008 1:48 PM:

" Many people these days are out there suffering. Some from cancer, some from being in war, some from depression, some from prejudice. I think that what people can take from this story is that a 16 year boy was a true hero in saving his older brother's life by being a bone marrow donor. I think many of us can be heroes just by the living a life of Christian example. This means treating each other with respect and love. There are many heroes in the world that go unnoticed or unheard of. However, sometimes it takes one story to get the rest going. Focus on the positive of your life. Life is not easy and will throw you curves you could not even imagine. But everyday that you get through it, you become stronger. So to all, love and live life to the fullest, because you only get one chance on earth. "

Outstanding... wrote on Sep 3, 2008 1:28 PM:

" This is a great story and truly inspirational. Best of luck at the marathon! "

Aarons Logic wrote on Sep 3, 2008 12:36 PM:

" Is that you can't write about anything, because no matter what, there are worse things going on in the world.

Yes, many people, sadly, have cancer, but this is a great story about a great person who overcame it. Do you expect the paper to write about every person who is sick?

I think your comments show how upside down your priorities are. "

The Light wrote on Sep 3, 2008 12:01 PM:

" God Bless Kris & Trace Howard...... "

to Aaron-munster wrote on Sep 3, 2008 11:46 AM:

" You're the reason why I love this Country. You can hate Police Officers for no reason. That's your right. Just like it's your right to hate Blacks, Hispanics, Jews, Women, ect. ect. ect. Several Men and Women have died for you to celebrate your hatred. "

maggie wrote on Sep 3, 2008 11:31 AM:

" To Aaron: whether you realize it or not,police officers are also soldiers fighting the war in our country. I am not saying that our soldiers abroad are anything less because i know, my dad wss a marine and proud of it. The police are fighting a war with our own citizens who don't value life just like the bad guys overseas. Trust me it is a war zone here and our officers put their lives on the line everyday too. "

Aaron-Munster wrote on Sep 3, 2008 11:29 AM:

" I never called him a bad person. I think he is great, ecspecially since he is a HAMMOND cop. That takes courage. I just get tired of hearing certain stories and examples when there are so many out there and etc, if you get what I mean. I don't mean to offened anyone, just telling the thruth about what is real in the world. It's not fair that there are so many sick people out there and this makes the papers, we are over 4,000 gone in war but this makes the papers, do you understand? America has upside down priorities. "

Confused wrote on Sep 3, 2008 11:24 AM:

" What is wrong with you people the man survived cancer and now you are gonna fight over something completely different?? Be happy for this man and his family his kids still have a father. "

Soldier wrote on Sep 3, 2008 11:18 AM:

" For those of you who don't know Kris, he was also a soldier in the Indiana Army National Guard for 6 years, way to go Kris. "

Re Re To Aaron-Munster wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:49 AM:

" Being a U.S. Soldier is definitely something to be proud of, but keep in mind that Kris is also a civil servant. He was dealt a bad hand with his illness, but he didn't back down and even though he probably thought about it a hundred times, he didn't waiver. With the help of his brother, Kris came out on top. What did he do next? He returned to his life as a civil servant. It's unfortunate that the paper hasn't written anything about local soldiers recently. Many have given their lives for our freedom and our way of life. But don't let your self believe that there are people out there that don't care and don't let it get the best of you. You are a PROUD U.S. Soldier and even if it didn't make the front page of the newspaper, there are people out there that are PROUD of you! Much love to all of those that give so much of themselves for the safety and freedom of others, here and abroad! "

Re To Aaron-Munster wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:26 AM:

" I am a PROUD U.S. Soldier, let me tell you, when is the last time you saw anything on the soldiers in the paper? Take your foot out of your mouth and go sip your coffee. "

To Aaron-Munster wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:12 AM:

" Maybe you need to read the story again because I am not sure how you could possibly find something negative to write. Yes, this Officer knew someone, thankfully, his younger brother who was able to save his life... and now maybe you should try to find a life of your own. "

A Chicago Marathon Runner too wrote on Sep 3, 2008 9:41 AM:

" Good luck in the marathon! You'll do great! What a nice story. "

Aaron-Munster wrote on Sep 3, 2008 8:48 AM:

" Why focus on just the cop and his family, what about all the others out there? I guess you have to know someone to get somewhere in this world. "

Tina ODonley wrote on Sep 3, 2008 8:32 AM:

" Kris and his wife are just the nicest people that I have ever met. My continued prayers for the family and I way to go for the brother for stepping up to the plate. "

Bravo wrote on Sep 3, 2008 8:27 AM:

" I agree with Lifer. A story for the ages. Good luck to all of those involved and may each day be your best day. "

Supporter wrote on Sep 3, 2008 8:22 AM:

" Congratulations to the Howard family. It warms my heart to read about families caring that much to do such a selfless act of heroism. Being the daughter of a police officer and the daughter of a cancer survivor, this story brought a tear to my eye. My thoughts are with all of the Howard's for continued health, success, and happiness. "

Lifer wrote on Sep 3, 2008 8:09 AM:

" One of the best stories I've read in a long time. Congratulations to the family. Best wishes for a safe and healthy future. "

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