Record crowd attends Bowers' benefit

Lone Star Superintendent, Mike Bowers, might be described as a private man more likely to point out others contributions and generously support those around him than to spotlight himself. Sunday, Dec. 1, northeast Colorado came out to show their support for Bowers and his family. Friends, school families, educators, students he has coached and others, that have brushed up against the lives of the Bowers family, came out to show that they are beside them in this battle.

Through the collaborative effort of the Lone Star and Haxtun communities, the evening started with a spaghetti supper being served to 459 people, ages 12 and up, followed by a silent and live auction. Many classes from the Lone Star and Haxtun schools put together large, creative baskets for the silent auction. One of the items was a signed 2024 State Championship 8-Man Football helmet signed by the Haxtun football team. Several Haxtun football players were there to present the helmet for live auction.

The evening concluded with an illusionist program put on by Bowers' longtime friend, David Laflin. Besides sharing stories of Bowers' younger years, Laflin amazed the crowd with floating tables, card tricks and putting the exploded life puzzle back together, with extra pieces. Using Hebrews 11:1 and a life puzzle, Laflin reminded the Bowers Family that, although their life may feel chaotic, confusing, strange and crazy, the people that care about them will be "with you." After a prayer, the crowd gave the Bowers family a standing ovation.

Mike and Kim Bowers, with their three children, live in the Wages community. The children attend Haxtun Schools. Bowers was diagnosed with Cervical Dystonia, a painful condition that causes the neck to involuntarily spasm, jerking the head down and to the side. There is no cure for Cervical Dystonia. Bowers has had some minor reduction of symptoms by the injection of Botox into his neck muscles. He is a candidate for a surgery called selective denervation. Regretfully, his insurance, Anthem, has refused to cover the cost of Botox treatments or the surgery. The fundraiser raised $70,000, which will help cover the $90,000-$100,000 cost for surgery, so that Bowers can return to a normal life.

Those who missed the fundraiser can still make a donation to the Bowers Family by mailing a check to the Haxtun Community Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 41, Haxtun, CO 80731. Make checks to Mike and or Kim Bowers. Donations can also be made by debit or credit card by visiting http://www.haxtuncu.com and clicking on Make A Deposit with Mike and Kim Bowers added in the Comment Area.

For more information on donations to the Bowers family, contact Kristin Hadeen at (970) 774-7396.