Kelli’s husband Kurt, daughter Paige and son Dawson welcome Kelli home from the hospital after her surgery. Left to right: Paige, Kelly, Kurt, Dawson. (Photo submitted)

A benefit “Pink Poker Run” has been planned for Saturday, July 11 at noon starting at the Main Street Humboldt Bar. Kelli Aberson is a West Central alumni who grew up on a farm near Wall Lake. She is sharing her breast cancer story with us and encouraging all women to get regular screenings and see their doctors if they find something unusual or have concerns. 

It was Tuesday, February 11th when Kelli received a call from Sanford with the results of her biopsy. Says Kelli, “In a matter of a two-minute phone call my well planned, organized life was suddenly a cluttered pile of fears and unknowns. About six weeks earlier I found a lump in my breast. It was fairly small, didn’t hurt and I almost brushed it off as nothing. I was in for a mammogram about eight months earlier and nothing abnormal was detected. I had no family history of breast cancer and I was young, a non-smoker and healthy. I didn’t meet any of the criteria to be concerned about cancer, yet I decided to make a phone call and I’m so thankful I did. The next several weeks were filled with ultrasound, exams, another mammogram, more waiting and finally a biopsy.”  That day changed everything for Kelli Aberson, on that day, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and began an unexpected journey to save her life and recover her health. Just a week later, Kelli found out that she had 4 herniated disks in her neck. 

Along the way, Kelli has found comfort and encouragement from her family and friends as well as an army of Facebook friends. Kelli was diagnosed right at the beginning of the COVID-19 restrictions and had to go through her hospitalization and follow-up treatments alone. Kelli’s sister Kim Hanisch started a Facebook support group “Kelli Doesn’t Fight Alone” to share Kelli’s journey and for others to post messages of encouragement, pictures, etc.. “My initial response was “No, thanks.” I really wanted to handle this on my own and certainly didn’t want a bunch of people knowing about it. Over the next week or two Kim “gently” pushed for the page and I gave in. Little did I know what an important tool that would be in learning to cope, accepting help and beginning to heal. I think this was just as important for my family as it was for me.” says Kelli.

When asked what was the hardest part of her cancer experience, she answered, “I think the hardest part of this experience was telling my family – Kurt, our children, my parents and my sister. I could deal with surgery, pain, body changes and future treatment if necessary but what I didn’t want was to see fear on the face of someone I love. I don’t like a lot of attention and I’m a fairly private person so I don’t like talking about myself. Now I had to push all of those feelings aside and be open and honest about everything. In the end, it was the talking that saved me (mentally). The more I explained the situation and the next steps, the easier it got. Now that doesn’t mean I didn’t cry (a lot), yell, throw things and act totally out of character at times, because I certainly did. But by the time surgery day rolled around I felt ready and I knew I was in good hands.”

A self-described “ambivert” (a balance of extrovert and introvert features), Kelli has an engaging smile and fun, friendly personality.  She is 44 years old and grew up on a farm near Wall Lake with her parents, Ron and Jackie Heemstra and her younger sister Kim. She graduated from West Central School District in Hartford, SD. She lives in Sioux Falls with her husband, of 20 years, Kurt. Together, they have a 17-year-old daughter, Paige, who will be a senior and a 14-year-old son, Dawson, who will be a freshman. Kelli has worked for many years at Citibank. 

When asked about how her cancer experience has changed her, she said, “I really do have a different perspective on life. I learned that my perfect schedule, organized closets, exercise routine, or you name it – really didn’t matter. What’s most important to me today are my faith, my family and friends. My relationship with my sister, in particular, is closer than it has ever been. I’ve also learned that most people genuinely do want to “do something” to help. By shutting them out or declining an offer of help it hurts them.” 

Kelli has endured a double mastectomy and follow up treatments over the last few months, she will continue to take a pill for up to 10 years to prevent reoccurrence of the cancer. Through it all, Kelli’s mother Jackie says, “She has NEVER complained once!” Kelli has emerged victorious and is ready to celebrate life. A poker run has been planned for Kelli on Saturday, July 11th starting at noon at the Main Street Humboldt Bar in Humboldt, SD. Participants should arrive early to register.

“Kelli’s Pink Poker Run” will honor Kelli’s journey and celebrate her victory! The poker run will be held rain or shine. All vehicles are welcome.  Motorcycle, Hot Rod, Mini Van, or Moped…you got it…drive it! NO REQUIREMENTS on vehicles!! There will be 4-5 stops on a hopefully 95-mile run. Poker hands $10/ a hand. First prize poker hand is a 2-night stay at “Kevin’s Grand Cabin” in the Hills, which has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and is set up for any family or couple. There will be door prizes and raffles.

After the poker run, Kelli will draw a winner for the iPad raffle. Tickets can still be purchased for the raffle. Email to Kelliskickingcancer@gmail.com for info on purchasing tickets.

Kelli says, “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to everyone who played a part in my journey!” 

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted” – Aesop

Submitted by Kelly O’Gorman