SKYFORCE PARTNER WITH RELIABANK ON HOPE FOR HARPIE NIGHT

SIOUX FALLS, SD - The Sioux Falls Skyforce is set to host Hope For Harpie Night in partnership with Reliabank on Tuesday, January 17 during a 6:30 PM CT matchup against the Lakeland Magic at the Sanford Pentagon. 

Hope for Harpie was started to let children know that no matter what the negative circumstance is, always fight and keep hope that things will get better with time.  When you have an opportunity to help someone that’s struggling whether they are a family member, friend or stranger, do so because everyone needs support in their lives.

Skyforce players will be donning teal jerseys - one of Harper's favorite color as well as a tribute to the old Skyforce colors. The concept was put together by Harper and features her signature as the jersey patch on the left shoulder. The gold cancer ribbon and accents represent childhood cancer. The jerseys also feature the same rainbow as the Hope for Harpie logo. These jerseys will be auctioned off online at the https://theplayerstrunkauction.com/. through January 17 at 9PM CST with all proceeds going to Hope for Harpie.

"Hope for Harpie means support, community and love to Reliabank,” Reid Johnson Chief Culture Officer at Reliabank said. “While we are proud to sponsor the game jerseys and recognize one courageous girl and her family, Reliabank knows that fighting children’s cancer is a constant battle and we are glad to do our small part to help."

About Harper’s Journey 

Harper was seven years old when she was diagnosed with Stage IV Wilms - a type of pediatric kidney cancer. Harper had 3 large tumors on her left kidney and cancer nodules on her lungs. 

She underwent surgery to remove her entire left kidney and it was discovered that the tumors had extended outside of the kidney and into her abdomen. She immediately started full abdomen radiation and chemotherapy. 

On October 19, 2021, Harper finished chemotherapy and rang the victory bell. But three months later in February, 2022, Harper’s cancer relapsed and they found nodules on her lungs. She immediately started aggressive chemotherapy. After long stints at the Sanford Children’s castle and Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Harper finished her last chemotherapy treatment and rang the victory bell again on December 7, 2022. 

Harper is now nine years old and has experienced so much more than a child should endure. She has not been able to attend school since April 2021, endure surgeries, brutal treatments, terrible side effects, hospitalization, isolation and more. The battle is not over, but Harper remains strong. She intends to return to school after spring break.  

“Though the last two years have been absolutely crushing, Harper has never let her circumstances crush her spirit,” said  Harper’s mom, Sarah.  “She remains faithful to God, kind, energetic, creative, passionate, and optimistic.”  

Tickets for the game on the 17th can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or at the Skyforce office at 2131 S. Minnesota Ave.