Community News 11/06/08
CV students rally to support principal’s family, cancer cure
By Craig Howard
News Editor

It was supposed to be a marquis matchup between Central Valley and Mead, two of the Greater Spokane League’s football elite.

Instead, a squad known as “Team Hittle” drew most of the cheers.
The fans who attended last Thursday’s regular season finale at Central Valley High School may have been rooting for different teams – but by the end of the game, everyone was pulling for Karen Hittle, wife of CVHS Principal Mike Hittle, to win her battle against pancreatic cancer.

Students dressed in purple – the official color of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network – waved purple pom poms and collected donations to benefit the research for a cure. Educational posters, documenting statistics and other information about the disease, were draped on the fences around CV’s home field.

Students from Central Valley High School dressed in purple and raised money for the fight against pancreatic cancer at last Saturday’s home football game against Mead. Karen Hittle, wife of CVHS Principal Mike Hittle, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this summer and is currently undergoing treatment.

Senior Justin Hoff talked with people about the campaign as they entered the stadium’s main entrance. About half contributed to the drive. For Hoff, as with other students, the effort was about generating awareness and offering support to the Hittle family in a time of need.

“I just want to do my part,” Hoff said.

By the end of the game, students had raised over $1,700 for the cause.

“Mr. Hittle has done so much for this school,” said Leanne Donley, a teacher and ASB advisor. “Students here understand the big picture – they realize the importance of thinking outside themselves and helping others.”

Halfway across the country, in Houston, Texas., Karen Hittle has been going
through radiation and chemotherapy treatments, buoyed by the knowledge that a community of students and teachers are with her every step of the way.

“The support has been amazing,” said Mike, who took over as Central Valley’s principal in 2003. “Our family feels very humbled. A lot of times high school kids don’t get the best publicity – but these are great kids. It doesn’t surprise me that they’ve rallied like this.”

Mike and Karen were scheduled to return to Spokane Valley this week. Karen’s cancerous tumor has responded well to treatment, dwindling steadily. She is scheduled for surgery in early December.

“Things are looking better,” Mike said.

Just as the Bears fought back from a halftime deficit to defeat Mead last Thursday, the Hittles have climbed out of the initial distress of Karen’s diagnosis to face cancer head-on with the power and optimism of what they call “Team Hittle.”

“It’s pretty devastating at first,” said Nikki Hittle, Mike and Karen’s daughter. “I think we just decided to turn that around as quickly as possible. For us, it’s about positive energy and faith. We truly believe that she is going to get better.”
It was Karen who took the initiative to seek further medical opinions after she was diagnosed with diabetes in the spring. By May, she was experiencing symptoms like jaundice.

Karen, whose mother passed away from pancreatic cancer, was well aware of the importance of identifying the disease as early as possible.

Not long after the diagnosis, the family decided to launch their own advocate group called “Team Hittle.” Nikki retrieved 75 pages of stories from pancreatic cancer patients who have overcome the condition. Mike and Karen’s son, Mike Jr., researched different types of treatments being utilized throughout the country along with his dad. Nikki signed up to be a community outreach representative, helping to raise funds and awareness.
Nikki said her mother’s courage throughout the ordeal has been a key.

“Her attitude has been fantastic,” Nikki said.

While many of the students who have contributed to the campaign have never met Karen, the value of reaching out to support the Hittle family is clear to all.

“The students have really pulled together,” said senior Whitney Veloski. “We want them to know that we care.”

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