Birthday parade for New Hope child with leukemia planned for May 25

Wes Howard of 74 W. Ferry St. will turn four next week, but the current health crisis means he can’t have the party he would love, or even see his friends.

Fortunately, his parents are making sure he’ll have a birthday surprise he’ll never forget: a parade of well-wishers, driving by to give a honk and a wave. He loves cars and trucks, and lights and sirens, so local fire and police vehicles will join in, and community members are invited to participate, and even decorate their cars if they wish.

The Howards moved to New Hope in 2018 from Southern California, and just a few months later Wes was diagnosed with high risk pre-B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children, and almost all children can be cured of the disease. Chemotherapy is used to treat the disease, and some kids may need a stem cell transplant, too.

“Wes has missed out on so many milestones – birthday parties, play dates, vacations, the early days of school – but never complains,” according to his parents. “When 2020 rolled around, we thought his life could begin to return to normal – while he remains in treatment through early 2021, he’s regained much of his strength, and his medical regime is much less intense than the first year, leaving him far more days where he feels great than those he doesn’t.”

Unfortunately, the covid-19 pandemic has delayed Wes’ return to a more normal life, as his immune system remains fragile. So his parents have planned the parade as a way to give him a memorable birthday celebration without breaking his quarantine.

Those wishing to join the parade can meet at the New Hope-Solebury High School parking lot on West Bridge Street at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, May 25, and head out down West Ferry Street at 1:55 p.m.

Find out more and sign up at the Wes’ Ginormous Birthday Parade event page on Facebook.