Hello, my name is Matt Fowles. I am a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer currently assigned to the Central Division K9 Unit. I have been an officer with the CHP since 2006. I have been assigned to the K9 Unit since 2012.
On Wednesday, January 17, 2018, I was contacted by a close friend who is the wife of a retired CHP Sergeant. Her daughter is a senior at Beyer High School in Modesto, CA. Her daughter has a good friend named Baylie Hankins who also attends Beyer High. Baylie is a 16 year old Junior at Beyer High School and is on the cheer squad.
A little background about Baylie’s family. Baylie has three brothers; Brandon (19), Derek (16) and Jacob (11). They are all being raised by their single mother, Season Newell. Season worked as an EMT with ProTransport until she sustained a shoulder and ligament injury. She keeps her certification up as she wants to return to the field. Season is currently employed with the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency in the Pediatric Office. In January 2017, Season was diagnosed with Stage 2 Melanoma.
She was then diagnosed with Intermediate Stage 2 Thyroid Cancer in May 2017. She underwent treatment which concluded at the end of September 2017. Season is currently undergoing maintenance treatment at UCSF to keep the cancer cells at bay. Season was just recently diagnosed with Castleman’s Disease. She has appointments scheduled at UCSF to fight the new diagnosis.
Baylie has dreams of becoming a Police Officer, specifically in the K9 Unit. Through all the family hardships, she has stayed in school (maintaing straight A’s) and is still able to participate in cheer. In October 2017, Baylie received news that no 16 year old should ever get. She was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Baylie travels to UCSF every other Tuesday for chemotherapy. She has 12 rounds of chemo scheduled. Baylie is unable to attend school due to chemo because it makes her very sick after treatments. On days she does not have treatment, she is able to attend outings if she has the strength and ability, however that is not very often. She is an huge fan of the Oakland Raiders, specifically Derek Carr and former player Charles Woodson. Her favorite colors are pink and blue.
Any questions, contact Matt Fowles via cell at (209)595-6166 or email at MFowles@chp.ca.gov
Please help spread the word around the Police K9 community to collect patches, challenge coins, and t-shirts for Baylie!
California Highway Patrol. C/O Officer Fowles. 4030 Kiernan Avenue. Modesto, CA 95356