This is the Story – of how we became Feisty!
In 2005 Pat Lloyd’s sister, “Bets” was diagnosed with breast cancer. Bets was always feisty – so we knew she would be up for the fight. While going through treatment, Bets’ niece (Colleen) had asked Bets about doing the 60 mile – Susan G. Komen 3 day walk in Minneapolis. Even though Bets was still on chemo and not feeling 100% she knew that she had to fight back. So, she and Colleen formed a team and the “Feisty Fighters” were born!
So, this is where it began; year after year our team grew. We had more members and more powerful fundraisers. As we raised money, we realized that we could do more, help more and make a bigger impact in this fight against cancer! Initially, we raised money through letters to friends, flower sales and garage sales. But, it didn’t take long for us to realize that people were counting on us and we needed to go bigger – so we hosted our signature wine event “Sparkle and Shine” and kicked off with our flagship fundraiser – Knickers for Knockers.
The Sioux Falls Feisty Fighters were now the #1 fundraiser for Susan G. Komen and it felt good to give back to an organization that Bets credits for saving her life! However, it did not stop there. We were not only able to give to SGK for their research and programs – but we were ready and able to help local organizations in South Dakota with their ground breaking research. The Feisty Fighters walked in the Susan G. Komen race for 10 years – we loved it because we felt that it kept us FEISTY. It kept us Feisty because of the stories you would hear along the way of the families that were broken because of CANCER and knowing that we need a CURE!
As time went on, the Feisty Fighters of SD were moved to give to top notch local organizations who are committed to research to find a cure. We have supported Susan G. Komen of SD, Sanford and Avera and in 2015 the Feisty Fighters started a grant program which helps local cancer patients financially during their fight! These grant applications continue to come in and expenses in helping others continue to grow.
In 2016 we changed our mission from “helping those with breast cancer” to “helping all those affected by cancer and to kick the disease to the curb”. We feel that you cannot discriminate with cancer – because the cure for one – could lead to a cure for all.
Although we have loved the 3 days and 60 miles with some of our friends we have made along the way, we decided to take the walk to the roads of Sioux Falls. By doing this we are able to have 100% of the funds raised to support local organizations for research, patient services or the Feisty Fighters Grant Program.
As of today, the Feisty Fighters have raised over $8000,000! Since we are volunteered based - the funds of our donors will directly impact the lives of those affected by cancer through the Feisty Fighter Grant program and to forward thinking organizations whom are set out to find a cure! We are proud of what we do – because we know that every dollar counts and every LIFE matters!
We are Feisty because it is our mission “to help fight for those affected by cancer and to kick the disease to the curb”!
Thank you for your interest in the Feisty Fighters. We are passionate about what we do – and we look forward to a day where there is cancer no more!
P.S: Bets’ cancer came back in 2010. She kept walking through it just as she did before. We are very blessed to say that Bets is still with us today!