The cause.
Top Shot is an annual Illinois State Police Run and Gun Competition Fundraising event in Support of the “Got Your Six Foundation.” Got Your 6 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Non Profit Organization. Supporting US…all of US. Got your 6 Foundation was established on February 5, 2016 as a way to fundraise and support the families of our fallen and injured Troopers. Got your 6 Foundation has morphed and spread its wings to assist and support the families across the Nation. It is with great honor that we have paired our event with this remarkable and selfless organization that has always had our 6.
The Kevin Howell Family
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.
Kevin began his law enforcement career as an Illinois State Trooper in 2007, dedicating his life to serving and protecting the people of Illinois.
In November 2016, Kevin was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on the right side of his tongue. With no history of tobacco use and no family history of cancer, the diagnosis came as a complete shock. He underwent a partial right glossectomy and right neck dissection later that month and began the difficult road to recovery.
Four years later, in November 2020, cancer returned, requiring another partial right glossectomy. Following surgery, Kevin once again fought his way back to remission, remaining cancer-free for four years.
In November 2024, the disease returned for a third time. Kevin underwent another surgical glossectomy and, true to his character, returned to work just two weeks later.
Then, in June 2025, Kevin discovered an enlarged lymph node in the upper left side of his neck below his ear. Testing revealed another tumor that required immediate intervention. On July 18, he underwent an extensive 8½-hour surgery involving a double neck dissection. Surgeons removed 51 lymph nodes, three salivary glands, and one of the two jugular veins on the left side of his neck.
Just one week after this life-altering surgery, Kevin was back at work. Shortly thereafter, he attended the National Fraternal Order of Police Conference, held August 3–8, 2025, where he was proudly sworn in by National President Patrick Yoes as President of Illinois State Police Troopers Lodge 41.
Only a month later, on September 8, Kevin began one of the most difficult chapters of his cancer battle: six weeks of Cisplatin chemotherapy, Keytruda immunotherapy, and 30 rounds of radiation treatment. The side effects were devastating. Radiation damage to his mouth and esophagus made eating nearly impossible, causing him to lose 65 pounds in just eight weeks, dropping from 215 pounds to 150 pounds.
Despite enduring this grueling treatment, Kevin remained vigilant. Within weeks, he noticed a lump developing behind his left ear. Refusing to ignore the warning signs, he persistently advocated for additional testing. A biopsy confirmed his fears—the cancer had returned once again.
Determined to keep fighting, Kevin pushed tirelessly for additional treatment options and was eventually accepted into a clinical trial in early February. The experimental treatment initially showed tremendous promise, shrinking the tumor from 6.5 centimeters to 2.4 centimeters over a two-month period. Unfortunately, the cancer eventually adapted to the treatment, and the tumor grew back to 5.1 centimeters. Doctors were forced to discontinue the trial and search for new options.
Today, Kevin is awaiting approval for a second clinical trial while also exploring targeted radiation and additional surgical interventions. As he continues this battle, significant out-of-network medical expenses associated with these life-saving treatments have created a substantial financial burden for his family.
Throughout this battle, Kevin has demonstrated the same courage, determination, and commitment that have defined his career in law enforcement. While enduring multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation treatments, and clinical trials, he has remained dedicated to serving others, missing only 20 days of work during the past year while continuing to represent approximately 3,400 active and retired RC-164 members as President of Illinois State Police Troopers Lodge 41.
His faith in God's provision, his devotion to his wife, Kathleen, and their four children, and his commitment to those he serves continue to carry him through each challenge. Even during the most difficult moments of his journey, Kevin has remained focused on providing for his family, supporting his fellow officers, and offering hope and leadership to the members he represents.
Kevin has spent his life serving and protecting others. Today, he is fighting for his own life while facing mounting medical bills, travel costs, and expenses tied to specialized treatments and clinical trials.
We invite you to stand with Kevin and his family. Your donation—of any amount—will help ease the financial burden of ongoing care and allow Kevin to focus on treatment and recovery. Just as important, your prayers, encouragement, and support remind him that he is not facing this battle alone.
Please give today and share Kevin's story with others. Together, we can provide hope, relief, and strength as he continues this fight with the same courage and determination that have defined his life
UPDATE Kevin was at Envita Medical Center (an out of state cancer treatment facility) due to the non-conventional method of giving chemo at Envita his insurance will not cover the treatment. Therefore, the cost will be all out of pocket, the estimated cost will be approximately $170,000 over a three-month period. To date, between personal savings and donations they are almost halfway to covering the medical center costs. There is still a possibility of additional surgical interventions to reconstruct the area where the tumor damaged good tissue but that is a way off before that is decided. Thank you for your continued support and donations. The cost for the treatments are due at the beginning of each week, with continued support I know we can help our brother in his time of need and raise the remaining funds needed to finish the treatments. There will be more updates to come as the treatments continue.
The “GOT YOUR 6 FOUNDATIN” is a registered not-for-profit corporation with the state of Illinois and is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service under section 501(c)(3).
HERITAGE
THE ILLINOIS STATE POLICE HAS A RICH HISTORY WITH MARKSMANSHIP DATING BACK TO THE 1920’S. ISP TOP SHOT AIMS TO CONTINUE THAT TRADITION TODAY.
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