Mannford Histio Run honors Jeffrey White, raises awareness for rare childhood diseases

The 15th annual Histio Run in Memory of Jeffrey White is set to take place on May 17, 2025, at Mannford High School.

This annual event not only commemorates the life of Jeffrey White, who passed away from hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), but also supports other young survivors of similar diseases, including Caleb Byron Clark and Abby Potts.

Funds raised will benefit the Histiocytosis Association, which supports families affected by rare histiocytic disorders.

Remembering Jeffrey White

Jeffrey White’s story is a testament to both the fragility and resilience of life. Born after eight long years of waiting, Jeffrey was his parents’ miracle baby. His arrival was celebrated with all the hopes and dreams that come with welcoming a new life.

But just days after his birth, Jeffrey’s platelet count was alarmingly low, initially dismissed as a mild case of jaundice. His parents, Angi and Tim White, took him home, believing their son was healthy and ready to thrive.

Four months later, their world began to unravel. What seemed like typical infant issues, including an unyielding diaper rash, cradle cap, and a persistent white film in his mouth, turned out to be far more serious. His parents, refusing to settle for routine diagnoses, pushed for answers.

After months of uncertainty and countless doctor visits, they finally got one: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a rare disease that most have never heard of, yet one that would change their lives forever. Eventually, the diagnosis changed to HLH.

The family’s hope returned when Jeffrey was transferred to a Texas hospital for a bone marrow transplant. After three long months, doctors deemed him strong enough for the procedure. It worked at first. Jeffrey’s bone marrow began producing its own blood, and for the first time in months, his blood counts returned to normal. However, on Thanksgiving Day 2001, Jeffrey crashed. Doctors fought tirelessly until noon, but at 2:30 p.m., Jeffrey passed away.

Jeffrey’s legacy now lives on through the Histio Run, an event dedicated to raising awareness and funding for research so that other families do not have to endure the same heartbreak. For those who run, walk, or volunteer each year, the run is a tribute to Jeffrey’s spirit and a commitment to finding a cure for HLH.

Honoring Two Survivors: Caleb Byron Clark and Abby Potts

Caleb Byron Clark is the embodiment of resilience. Born in Tulsa and raised in Sand Springs, Caleb’s life was filled with the typical joys of childhood, including riding dirt bikes, playing baseball, and exploring the outdoors. But on July 22, 2016, Caleb woke up with a fever that doctors initially dismissed as strep throat. By July 26, his condition worsened, landing him in the hospital, where his family’s journey into the world of rare diseases began.

After weeks of uncertainty, the real cause emerged: hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). The news was devastating. HLH is not just rare, it’s life-threatening, with the body’s immune system attacking its own organs, causing fevers, low blood counts, and organ failure. Caleb’s fight began with aggressive treatments: chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and steroid therapies. 

But Caleb proved to be stronger than the disease. By January 26, 2017, doctors decided to take him off treatment after seeing significant improvements. Today, Caleb remains under close medical supervision to ensure the disease does not return, but his zest for life is unshaken. He continues to ride his dirt bike, play baseball, and live each day with a joy that inspires everyone around him. For his family, Caleb is more than just a survivor—he’s a hero.

Abby Potts: Overcoming the Odds 

For Abby Potts, life was filled with typical teenage moments: school, church, and playing volleyball. But in late 2014, a persistent pain in her shoulder hinted at something far more serious. At first, her family assumed it was just growing pains. They tried everything from home remedies to physical therapy, but the pain only grew worse. 

By March 2015, Abby’s condition had deteriorated to the point that daily activities like showering and dressing became excruciating. That's when she was diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). An X-ray revealed a tumor on her fourth rib, which had silently grown until it fractured the bone. The following months were filled with doctor visits, scans, therapy, and hospital stays.

That year, a family friend introduced Abby’s family to the Histio Run. Although they couldn’t attend in 2015, they joined in May 2016 and have participated every year since. Fortunately, Abby’s tumor responded to steroid injections and shrank completely. She has been LCH-free ever since.

For Abby, the Histio Run holds personal significance, not just as a survivor but as someone who shares the journey with others affected by histiocytic disorders. She often thinks of Angi, the event coordinator, who lost her son to Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in 2001. Despite their difficult beginnings, they now walk together, raising awareness and support for those still fighting these rare diseases.

Histio Run Event Details

The run will begin at Mannford High School, located at 220 Evans Ave, Mannford, Okla. Participants can choose between the 5K run or a 1-mile fun run.

Registration and package pickup will take place from 7 to 8 a.m., followed by the fun run at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K at 9 a.m. An award ceremony will follow the races.

Regular registration is priced at $45 for the 5K run and $35 for the fun run. Both registration levels include a t-shirt. On-site registration will also be available on race day.

Why It Matters

Funds raised from the event will support the Histiocytosis Association’s programs, including family support, education, and research initiatives. Histiocytic disorders, such as HLH and LCH, are rare and often fatal without aggressive treatment. Events like the Histio Run are crucial in raising both awareness and funding for research.

Community Support and How to Help

The Mannford community has played a vital role in making the Histio Run possible, with local volunteers and sponsors contributing to the event’s success. Community members are encouraged to participate, donate, or volunteer. Those interested can visit the Histiocytosis Association’s website devoted to Jeffrey White's Histio run for more information on how to get involved.