To many Hollister residents, Sharon Wise-Howard may be a
familiar face. On a daily basis, she walks close to seven miles
around town, and it’s not just for exercise.
To many Hollister residents, Sharon Wise-Howard may be a familiar face. On a daily basis, she walks close to seven miles around town, and it’s not just for exercise.
“At first I started walking to get the stiffness out of my back and legs, but then it turned into walking for a purpose,” she said.
At 52-years-old, Howard feels blessed to have her health and physical fitness, so she’s taking her new found love for walking, and using it to raise money for different causes. Since beginning her walking routine, she has participated in the Monterey County Rape Crisis walk, the San Benito County Relay for Life and this December will be traveling to Honolulu, Hawaii to participate in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Walk/Run Marathon.
“In the second half of my life, I really want to do something good and give back,” she said.
Her inspiration for attempting the marathon comes from her nephew Dan Wise, who was diagnosed with Lymphoma at a very young age, and is now in remission at 27 years old.
“It just breaks my heart to see young people like Dan sick and having to deal with these illnesses,” she said as her eyes began to well up with tears. “When we were at the training rally for the marathon, there were these little kids there in wheelchairs with no hair and it just broke my heart.”
In order to get to Hawaii for the marathon, Howard must raise $3,800, and her ultimate goal is $7,000. In order to raise the money, she’s been doing what she knows best. For the past few weeks, Howard has been walking around downtown Hollister earning sponsors for her trip, and in exchange, giving them a spot of her jacket. For different size donations, businesses, organizations and individual donators can have their name embroidered on the wind breaker that she’ll wear during the marathon. The donations are tax-deductible, and going toward a good cause, Howard said.
“All of the money raised goes toward client services for people who can’t afford medical, and families who need to stay with their loved ones while they’re getting treatment,” she said.
Along with the marathon, Howard tries to help the community out in other ways while she’s walking as well.
“In the mornings I’ll go out with a bag and pick up cans and bottles on the streets for recycling,” she said.
For more information about the marathon, or to donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Howard’s trip, call 831-524-0927, or send donations to Cerra Vista School Attn: Sharon Wise Howard, 2151 Cerra Vista Drive, Hollister, Ca 95023.
