TF run aims to bring more Hope for Harlee

by John Hamilton

This race is for Harlee and her family.

Thompson Falls High School cross country coach Sarah Naegeli says a run to benefit Harlee Salmi of Hot Springs is planned in Thompson Falls Saturday morning.

Competition in the race will be at two distances – one-half mile and 5K – and registration for the event will begin at 7 a.m. at the Elks Club east of Thompson Falls, with the race slated to begin at 8.

Naegeli said there will be no entry fee (donations to Harlee will instead be gladly accepted) and that no T-shirts will be give to participants; this run is all about helping Harlee and her family through a very rough time.

Harlee, 5, the daughter of Matt and Taylor Salmi of Hot Springs, has been diagnosed with a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a very aggressive, non-curable brainstem tumor. As the family struggles with that diagnosis, the numerous trips for treatment and the mounting medical bills, the fine people of Hot Springs and Sanders County have rallied to the cause, holding numerous benefits and setting up a gofundme page on the internet.