Trooper Kevin Howell Fundraiser: Support the IL Troopers Lodge #41 President

A Trooper's Fight: Standing with Kevin Howell

Illinois State Trooper Kevin Howell has spent his career serving and protecting others. Since joining the Illinois State Police in 2007, he has dedicated his life to helping his community and supporting his fellow officers.

Today, Kevin Howell's journey battling head and neck cancer is a testament to resilience, faith, and unwavering dedication to his family, career, and fellow law enforcement officers.

An Ongoing Battle Against Cancer

Kevin was first diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in November 2016. Despite having no history of tobacco use and no family history of cancer, he underwent surgery and fought his way back to recovery.

When cancer returned in 2020, Kevin faced it head-on once again. After another surgery and recovery period, he remained cancer-free for four years.

In late 2024, cancer returned for a third time. Then, in 2025, doctors discovered another aggressive tumor that required extensive surgery, removing 51 lymph nodes, three salivary glands, and one jugular vein.

Most people would have stepped away from work to focus solely on recovery. Kevin returned to work just days later.

Courage Through Every Challenge

Kevin's fight continued with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation treatments, and participation in a clinical trial. The treatments were physically devastating, causing significant weight loss and difficult side effects.

Even as he endured surgeries, treatments, and setbacks, Kevin 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 members as President of Illinois State Police Troopers Lodge 41.

His determination, faith, and commitment to others have never wavered.

Faith, Family, and Hope

Throughout this journey, Kevin has leaned on his faith, the support of his wife Kathleen and their four children, and the encouragement of the law enforcement community he proudly serves.

While continuing to explore new treatment options and clinical trials, Kevin and his family are also facing significant medical and travel expenses associated with specialized care.

How You Can Help

Kevin has spent his life protecting others. Now he needs our support.

We invite you to stand with Kevin and his family. Your donation can help ease the financial burden of ongoing treatments and allow Kevin to focus on what matters most: his health, his family, and his fight against cancer.

To donate, visit the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation’s donation page.

Together, we can stand beside Kevin and remind him that he is not fighting this battle alone.