The Healing Power of Fishing and Open Water

At the Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation, we believe in the healing power of fishing and the open water. Recently, we witnessed this power firsthand when we hosted Jackie Raible and her family for an unforgettable fishing trip in the Florida Keys. Jackie’s story of courage, resilience, and the joy she found during this trip embodies the very heart of our mission. 

Jackie’s Journey of Courage and Resilience

Jackie’s journey has been filled with challenges. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 at just 31 years old, she faced the overwhelming trials of chemotherapy and a double mastectomy while raising two toddlers. Although she hoped to be cancer-free, her fight continued, and in 2021, she received the devastating news that the cancer had spread to her bones, leading to more treatments and uncertainty. Despite everything, Jackie’s spirit remained unbroken. When we learned about her story through Jennifer Arlington, a former JWF recipient and a member of her son’s football team community, we knew we had to act. 

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our team, we provided Jackie and her family with a truly special experience. From the moment they arrived, we wanted to help them leave their worries behind and enjoy the simple joy of fishing and family time. Krissy Wejebe, daughter of our foundation’s namesake, welcomed the family personally with gifts of Spanish Fly and Costa gear, and treated them to a delicious dinner at the Bent Prop in Cudjoe Key.

Adventures on the Water

The following days were filled with thrilling fishing adventures. Captain Kevin of Tightnup Charters patiently taught the family how to bait hooks and cast lines. Everyone’s excitement peaked when they caught Mahi-Mahi, bringing huge smiles, especially to the kids. Captain Chuck also made Jackie’s wish for a relaxing day at a sandbar come true, and to the children’s delight, they even caught small sharks!

A Heartfelt Reflection from Jackie

Jackie later shared a heartfelt note, expressing the impact of the trip:   

“My mental state before the trip was not great. Having to get a scan every 3 months can keep you in a state of panic. I can 100 percent say I feel so much lighter after the experience… My ultimate goal is to feel freedom and that is what this amazing vacation helped me to feel. Free. Free of racing thoughts for the first time in many years.” 

Jackie’s story reminds us of the incredible power of compassion. By offering a brief respite from life’s challenges, we hope to give families like hers not only unforgettable memories, but renewed strength and hope.  

Thank You to Our Supporters

We are deeply thankful to all our supporters for making these experiences possible. Your contributions keep Jose Wejebe’s legacy alive, bringing joy to those who need it most. If you’d like to help us create more stories like Jackie’s, consider [making a donation](https://www.every.org/jose-wejebe-spanish-fly-memorial-foundation-inc?utm_campaign=donate-link#/donate/card) or [learning more about our mission](https://josewejebefoundation.org/about-us/). Together, we can continue making dreams come true, one fishing trip at a time.