Kevin Howell Fundraiser Update: The Fight Continues
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
An Important Update on Kevin Howell’s Journey
Illinois State Trooper Kevin Howell continues to face recurrent head and neck cancer with remarkable courage, faith, and determination.
Since joining the Illinois State Police in 2007, Kevin has dedicated his career to serving the people of Illinois and supporting his fellow officers. Today, he remains in that fight while pursuing a new course of treatment and facing significant out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Where Kevin’s Treatment Stands Today
After multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation treatments, and a clinical trial, Kevin is now receiving care at Envita Medical Center, an out-of-state cancer treatment facility.
Because Envita uses a non-conventional method of administering chemotherapy, Kevin’s insurance will not cover the treatment. The estimated cost is approximately $170,000 over a three-month period, with payments due at the beginning of each week. Through personal savings and generous donations, Kevin and his family are nearly halfway toward covering the cost, but substantial expenses remain.
Doctors may also consider additional surgery in the future to reconstruct tissue damaged by the tumor, although that decision will come later in the treatment process.
A Long and Difficult Fight
Kevin was first diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in November 2016. Cancer returned in 2020 and again in late 2024.
In 2025, another tumor required an extensive eight-and-a-half-hour surgery involving a double neck dissection. Surgeons removed 51 lymph nodes, three salivary glands, and one jugular vein.
His treatment later included Cisplatin chemotherapy, Keytruda immunotherapy, and 30 rounds of radiation. After the cancer returned again, Kevin entered a clinical trial that initially reduced the tumor from 6.5 centimeters to 2.4 centimeters. Unfortunately, the cancer adapted, and the tumor grew again, forcing doctors to discontinue the trial and pursue other options.
Still Serving Through It All
Even while enduring surgeries, treatments, and repeated setbacks, Kevin has remained committed to serving others.
Over the past year, he has missed only 20 days of work while continuing to represent approximately 3,400 active and retired RC-164 members as President of Illinois State Police Troopers Lodge 41.
His faith, his wife Kathleen, their four children, and the support of the law enforcement community continue to give him strength.
Supporting Kevin's Ongoing Treatment
This update brings renewed hope, but it also brings an urgent financial need.
Kevin’s current treatments are not covered by insurance, and the weekly costs must be paid as care continues. Donations will help cover treatment, travel, and other medical expenses so Kevin and his family can remain focused on his health and recovery.
To donate, visit the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation’s donation page.
Donations may also be made payable to Kevin Howell and mailed to:
Troopers Lodge 41
5880 South 6th Street Road
Springfield, IL 62703
Kevin may also be supported directly through Venmo at @Kevin-Howell-45.
Please Continue Standing with Kevin
Kevin has spent his life serving and protecting others. Now, as his treatment continues, he and his family need the support of the community around them.
Please consider donating, sharing this update, and keeping Kevin and his family in your prayers.
Every contribution and message of encouragement reminds them that they are not facing this fight alone.
Read the full story here:
