OUR STORY

OUR STORY

Why We Raise Money for Breast Cancer?

We now raise money locally for breast cancer in memory of our dear friend Mary Janovsky, who lost her battle with the disease in 2014. The Flamboyant Flamingo Flock was born and the team participated in several Susan G. Komen 3-Day, 60-mile walks in Minnesota, a journey inspired by Mary's strength and courage. That experience ignited our commitment to supporting breast cancer research, early detection, and patient care. Every step we took and every dollar we raised was a tribute to Mary and a pledge to help others fight this disease, so no one else has to face such loss. We have now come full circle to bring these funds back into our own communities to provide local support for those in need.

How it Began

Twin sisters Jill and Wendy participated in their first Susan G. Komen 3-Day, 60-mile walk for breast cancer in Minnesota in 2009. Over the years, their team expanded: Kris joined in 2014, followed by Kelly Jo in 2015, then Kelly Jo's daughter Molly in 2016. In 2019, sisters Stephanie, Melissa, and friend Morgan joined the team. Megan and Lindsay came on board in 2021 when the Minnesota annual walk ended, and the team traveled to San Diego, CA, where Jessica also joined for the 1-day walk.

Our team has experienced the walk from multiple perspectives—as walkers, route crew, and medical crew members. We named our team in honor of our long-time family friend, Mary Jo Janovsky, who loved flamingos, lizards, frogs, and dragonflies. Mary Jo was with us in spirit each year, from a photo on Kris’s lanyard to the dragonflies that flew around us on the route.

In fundraising over the past 10+ years, we’ve hosted raffles, silent auctions, comedy nights, bean bag tournaments, snow softball tournaments, designer purse bingo, casino nights, 5K Flamingo-ween, and 5K May Day events. In 2021, we even adopted a highway just outside LeCenter. To date, we have raised over $90,000 in support of breast cancer survivors, treatment, diagnosis, education, and awareness.

Meet the Team

  • Jill Steinborn

    Jill, a founding member of FFF and sister to Kris and Wendy, has 17 years of nursing experience and works in the PCU at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. A dedicated mother of three, she enjoys walking with her Cavachon, Mara. Jill’s commitment to supporting those affected by breast cancer began with her first 3-Day walk in 2009, leading to the creation of a local foundation. She’s proud to be part of this mission and looks forward to continuing to make a positive impact.

  • Wendy Claffey

    Wendy, a founding member of FFF and sister to Kris and Jill, began her Breast Cancer 3-Day journey in 2009 while pregnant with her oldest son, inspired by a childhood friend’s mother. She continues her efforts in memory of Mary and their mom, Mary Anne. Wendy has walked five times and supported many fundraisers. She lives in Le Center with her husband Joe and their three boys, focusing on easing the burdens of those undergoing cancer treatment in their local community.

  • Kristina "Kris" Nemitz

    Kris is one of the four founding members of FFF and the older sister to Jill and Wendy. She grew up in LeCenter, then spent 20 years in Hutchinson with her husband Paul and son Mason before moving to Fairfax, where she now owns a hobby farm. A pharmacist with Coborn’s, Kris is passionate about health, nature, waterfalls, and being an auntie. She loves creating fun, community-driven events and activities. Having seen cancer affect her loved ones, Kris is dedicated to supporting those battling cancer in every way possible.

  • Kelly Jo Closser

    Kelly Jo is one of the founding members of FFF. A high school friend of Kris and an integral part of the team, she has been committed to the cause from the very beginning. Kelly Jo's passion for helping others and her dedication to the fight against breast cancer have been a driving force behind the team's efforts. With a strong sense of community and a heart for service, she continues to play a key role in the group's mission to support those affected by cancer.

  • Megan Coryell

    Megan has joined the team in recent years from the 2021 SGK 3-day walk in San Diego to helping out with many fundraising events. From creating our team T-shirts to helping pick out the purses for the next bingo event, she has been hands on and has been adopted as a part of the Flamingo family. Married, mother of 2, and involved heavily in the community with her family and job, she looks forward to continuing her involvement with the Flock to give back to her community around her.

  • Lindsay Munguia

    Lindsay joined FFF in 2021 with the SGK San Diego 3-day walk, also bringing along her sister Jessica. High school friends of the whole flock, she shares the determination and commitment to give back to her community. Married & mother of 3, she has been a large part of our fundraisers’ success over the past few years. She is excited to continue her service with FFF and see where the future brings us!