Tragedy Hits Howie
All of us here at ALL-STARS were saddened to hear the news that on September 12, 1998, Howie Dorough's sister, Caroline, succumbed to a disease called Lupus. As soon as Howie heard the news of his sister's passing, he cancelled the Backstreet Boys' next concert on the summer tour in order to be with his family. (In all the time that the Boys have toured together, they have never cancelled ashow, and they promised to make up the date at some point.) When fans got wind of what had happened, they rushed to write letters and email, and send gifts to console a grieving Howie and his relations.

Eulogy From Howie

In response, Howie gave his statement to the rpess: "Regarding the recent passing of my sister, Caroline Cochran, the outpouring of emotion and sympathy I have received from fans and the media has been overwhelming. Caroline was only 37 when she lost her battle with the disease called Lupus. This disease affects the immune system, often striking down young people like my sister in their prime."

How You Can Help

Even in Howie's grief, he knew that he could be of help others. "Instead of sending cards or gifts in memory of my sister, I would request that a donation be made to the fund I have established in her name," says Howie. "This donation would help the study of this disease so that hopefully a cure can be found and no other family will have to suffer a loss such as ours." If you (with your parent's permission) would like to make a donation, you can send it to:

Caroline Cochran Lupus Fund
c/o Florida Hospital Foundation
616 East Rollins Street, Suite 103
Orlando, Florida 32803

- ALL-STARS

April 1999

backstreetgal@writeme.com
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