Turning Grief into Action: Julie Kneeland and ‘Coyotes Against Cancer’ Surpass $40,000 Milestone for the American Cancer Society
- Steve Jurrens
- Mar 4
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - What began as a personal pledge to honor a loved one has blossomed into a community-wide movement. Through the dedicated efforts of Julie Kneeland and the Waverly-South Shore community, the “Coyotes Against Cancer” initiative has successfully raised a staggering $40,326 for the American Cancer Society since its inception.
Kneeland recently sat down with Northeast Radio SD to discuss the profound personal losses that inspired the movement, the community’s overwhelming support, and the recent revival of the fundraising campaign. https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?fr_id=112128&pg=team&team_id=2847629 (team page to donate)
A Journey Born from Loss
The roots of Kneeland’s advocacy trace back to 2009, when her mother-in-law was diagnosed with lung cancer. Driven to fight back, Kneeland formed the “Diane’s Determined Dreamers” Relay for Life team in the summer of 2010. Tragically, her mother-in-law passed away the following summer, with her funeral falling on the same day as the Relay for Life event.
Despite the fresh grief, Kneeland felt a powerful calling to participate.
“I remember my husband saying, ‘You don’t have to go. Everyone will understand. I mean, we just had a funeral today,” Kneeland recalled. “And I said, ‘No, I do. There was something that I just needed that.’ And that is the absolute core to the reason why I believe so much in Relay for Life.”
Surrounded by friends and family wearing wigs and scarves to honor her mother-in-law’s memory, Kneeland walked the track that night, cementing her dedication to the cause.
The Rise of Coyotes Against Cancer
During the 2012-2013 school year, Kneeland brought her passion to the Waverly-South Shore school district, launching what was initially called “Coaches vs. Cancer” and later “Coyotes Against Cancer”. Over the next several years, she organized 10 major fundraising events, primarily during basketball games, but also during football and volleyball games.
Kneeland eventually stepped back from organizing the events when her oldest son graduated. However, the tragic passing of another beloved community member, Noah Comis—a young Coyote who bravely fought cancer before passing away in July 2024—reignited her drive.
“He kind of inspired me again,” Kneeland shared, noting that with her youngest child slated to graduate soon, she felt compelled to bring the event back. “I thought, my baby is graduating next year, I have to do this.”
A Record-Breaking Year. The event's revival this past basketball season was a massive success. The community rallied together through a variety of activities, including:
· Bucket runs
· Silent auctions
· Bake sales
· Player donation pledges
· T-shirt sales
Together, these efforts generated an impressive $6,458 this year alone, pushing the historical total of the Waverly-South Shore “Coyotes Against Cancer” campaign to $40,326.
Kneeland is quick to deflect the praise, attributing the success to her fellow community members. She specifically highlighted the Waverly-South Shore school district and local volunteers like Jenny Leese and Stacy Buchholz, who helped her manage the overwhelming logistics of the events.
“I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity, because I have not really got to do a public thank you to everybody,” Kneeland noted during the broadcast. “I can’t do any of this stuff I do without the support that surrounds me.”
When she isn’t rallying the Waverly-South Shore community to fight cancer, Kneeland serves as the Executive Officer for the Watertown Area Home Builders Association. But whether she is organizing a home show or leading a bucket run, her vibrant energy and deep community care remain her defining traits.
