Backstreet Boy Will Carry Olympic Torch

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Dec 11, 2001 Source: WESH Orlando Submitted By: Gina Cates Dorough Foundation Supports Lupus Research ORLANDO, Fla. -- Most of the world knows Howard Dorough as Howie D., a member of a pop group, the Backstreet Boys. But residents in the Orlando area know him as much more, WESH NewsChannel 2 reported Wednesday. The Dorough Family Lupus Foundation gives away tens of thousands of dollars for lupus treatment and research. The foundation was set up in his sister's memory. Dorough was selected to run with the Olympic torch through Orlando, and he was chosen as this week's WESH Hometown Hero. Dorough and the Backstreet Boys are multi-platinum, world-famous pop stars. His family just calls him Howard, and he's known to them for singing nursery rhymes to a child who's never heard of the Backstreet Boys. He also visits children at Arnold Palmer Hospital when he visits Orlando for a few days. He'll be home again on Dec. 7, to run with the Olympic torch. "I feel very honored. I mean, Florida, Orlando, I was born and raised here, and it always means a lot to me to be involved with my community and my hometown," Dorough said. Three years ago, Dorough's sister, Caroline Cochran, died of lupus. In her honor, Dorough and the family set up the Dorough Lupus Foundation. "It's definitely taking a negative and making a positive thing," Dorough said. In June, Dorough's project, Lupus 2001, raised $100,000 for the foundation, which funds research, education and assistance for victims. Last year, the foundation gave away more than $125,000 to hospitals in Los Angeles and Canada. "We're fortunate enough with the Backstreet Boys we receive a lot of fan mail, and money donated to us from all around the world. To me, lupus is not only here in America, it's around the world, so we want to help every country," Dorough said. Other celebrities might lend their names to causes, but Dorough is hands on. He's using his fame to make a difference. "I count my blessings. I'm able to reach so many people all around the world and bring knowledge to people about what I've just learned about," Dorough said. He also performs with his sister, Pollyanna, to raise money for the Dorough Foundation. "I'm proud of him: my baby brother. I'm very proud of my brother. I'm proud of all the things that he does," Pollyanna Dorough said. And Howie Dorough is proud to be from Orlando, a city that's supported his career and lupus foundation. "We're constantly on the go, but when I think of home, I always think of Orlando. It feels good to me to be able to give back to my hometown, and to constantly let the world know that Howard is from Orlando," Howard Dorough said. Howard Dorough will be one of the final four runners to carry the Olympic torch in Lake Eola Park on Dec. 7. He's also scheduled to be part of live coverage during the run on WESH NewsChannel 2. For more information on the Dorough Family Lupus Foundation, click here. http://www.doroughlupusfoundation.com/ Comment on this item. Recent Comments Submitted by: johnanz http://imrdsoacha.gov.co/silvitra-120mg-qrms Comment on this item. Next Item: Backstreet on Rainier Prev Item: Kevin Calendars Available online at JWR