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Sioux Falls Man Uses Cancer Experience to Help Others

Matt Ellefson was first diagnosed with late stage lung cancer five years ago. After experimental treatment in Houston, the Sioux Falls man’s cancer went into remission. But since then, he’s had three recurrences. The most recent was this past summer after some 20 months with clean scans.

After the initial shock of the latest recurrence, Ellefson says he found himself in battle mode again. He says he’s stronger and more prepared than he’s been since he was first diagnosed. To help others with their cancer battles, Ellefson has formed the non-profit organization, SURVIVEiT. At the center is a web-based platform designed by survivors to help cancer patients research their disease.

He joined Dakota Midday and discussed his battle with cancer and efforts to help other cancer patients

For more information on SURVIVEiT, click here.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.
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