Howell Schools Show Their Support For Sisters' RARE Cause

HOWELL, NJ — Some kids are fortunate enough to go through life with just colds or a stomach bug or some other common and temporary ailment that sidelines them for a day or so before they are back to normal.

For children who have a rare disease, especially one that is not outwardly visible, living with an illness changes the meaning of "normal." It's something not many people understand.

Howell sisters Alexandra and Jonna Crocker have been working to raise awareness of rare diseases and also support other children battling them through their Fighting H.A.R.D. Foundation, which they founded in 2015. They have done fundraisers and donation drives to help other children who Have A Rare Disease, and have spoken about their own battles with rare diseases.

Among their efforts is spotlighting Rare Disease Day, which falls on the last day of February. This year, the sisters have launched a campaign called "RARE Your Jeans Day," where students and staff at Howell High School will decorate their jeans to show support for kids battling these often-invisible illnesses.

The RARE Your Jeans Day campaign also has spread to Howell's kindergarten-through-8th grade schools.

"Each school is creating their own campaign and it is getting very exciting. This will be our biggest year!" said Jonna Crocker, who met with the PAW Patrol 5th graders at Memorial Elementary School and their principal, Ray Gredder.

At Howell High School, with the support of Principal Jeremy Braverman and the teaching staff, there will be a huge event where students will be wearing their RARE jeans and specially designed Howell Fighting HARD shirts to help raise awareness and show support.

Fundraisers include an event at Panera Bread in Howell on Feb. 28 to celebrate Rare Disease Day, and a fundraiser by Newbury Elementary School at Jersey Mike's from Feb. 25 through March 1.

Many other schools throughout the state are joining in the campaign, decorating jeans, wearing jean ribbons, hanging posters, and more, the foundation said.

"We are so excited to help raise awareness for all of the kids who are Fighting HARD every single day," said Alexandra Crocker, who's a sophomore at Howell High School. "Having A Rare Disease or chronic illness can be extremely difficult, especially for a child or teenager, so we want to help them to know they are not alone.

"We couldn’t be more grateful for all of the support of our local schools and businesses," said Tara Crocker, president of the foundation and mom of Alexandra and Jonna. "The Howell Community has been incredibly supportive. Teachers and administrators are truly going above and beyond to help the rare disease community, and to help grow the foundation. We are so blessed to be Fighting HARD with all of you!"

Fighting HARD helps children with rare diseases or chronic illnesses not only through raising awareness but in sharing their experiences. The foundation, sending care packages and financially assists families with medical needs and treatments often not covered by insurance. They help with travel expenses, meals, and family fun days to help get through a HARD time.

Both Alexandra and Jonna have battled rare diseases and chronic illness and wanted to help others who might be experiencing the same challenges that are often shared by the rare community.

You can learn more about the Fighting HARD Foundation on its website and follow them on Facebook.

Jonna Crocker with the PAW Patrol 5th graders at Memorial Elementary School. Photo via Howell Township Schools