Our Mission
The collaborating Curling Clubs (Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Brookings & Yankton), strive to not only support one of our own but also bring awareness to the importance of a balanced lifestyle. Funds raised will help Lloyd in the fight against liver cancer.
Lloyd’s Personal Story
In October, 2017, while living in California, Lloyd was diagnosed with NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis). NASH is the form of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in which you have inflammation of the liver and liver damage, in addition to fat in your liver. The inflammation and liver damage of NASH can cause fibrosis, or scarring, of the liver. NASH may lead to cirrhosis, in which the liver is scarred and permanently damaged. Cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer.
NAFLD is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in children, affecting 1 in 10 children. According to the American Liver Foundation, the number of children affected by fatty liver disease is on the rise – having more than doubled in the last 20 years. Monitoring our diets and keeping an active lifestyle is crucial to preventing NAFLD. These stats have affected Lloyd deeply.
Active research is ongoing, but for now there are no FDA approved medications specifically for the treatment of NAFLD/NASH. However, studies have shown that both fat, inflammation and scar tissue can leave your liver. This means that NAFLD and NASH can be reversible.
In 2019, Lloyd participated in a year-long double blind drug trial that was hopeful to cure NASH. The trial ended abruptly and Lloyd's doctors determined he will ultimately need a new liver. Otherwise healthy, in order to be added to the transplant list, Lloyd would need to develop cancer.
On March 3rd 2021, Lloyd's doctor called with the results of a biopsy: Lloyd had cancer, specifically Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Lloyd, the eternal optimist said "this is great, now I get a new liver". He is high on the transplant list and awaiting a call any day.
During a visit to South Dakota in September of 2019, Kerwyn Lykken, invited Lloyd to curl with him. Lloyd has been an avid curler of Sioux Falls Curling and Yankton Curling Club ever since he and his wife, Anita, moved here in August of 2021.
Our Goal
Curling is a great way to make friends, keep fit and learn new skills. Our goal is to provide a weekend of entertainment promoting the education of curling and a balanced lifestyle, while raising funds to support Lloyd in his fight against liver cancer.
Supporting the community is momentous to curlers. The Spirit of Curling values showing up and celebrating one another. Whether you plan to play in the Benespiel, spectate or cannot attend, please consider making a contribution.
