These incredible women are all past recipients of trips through the Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation. Over the years, we’ve stayed in close touch, bonded not just by their stories, but by their strength and resilience.

• Tosha is living with terminal brain cancer and was one of our earliest recipients.
• Cindy’s trip was originally planned for her son who has cancer, and had a stroke, but we then had to a reschedule for her own battle with cancer, we waited until she was through treatment to make it happen—for both of them.
• Jennifer found out she had cancer while pregnant. If she didn’t do chemo she’d die, and if she did it while pregnant her baby was at risk. Thankfully that baby is now a big, stinky, HEALTHY boy!  Her strength is beyond words.
• Amanda’s youngest was diagnosed with cancer—but thankfully, his most recent scans were clear.

When I was in Orlando for ICAST, we met up for a quick reunion, and while everyone had a blast during their trips with their family, it didn’t feel like the true respite these moms deserved. I also needed guest speakers for our upcoming Spanish Fly Shark Tournament Awards Ceremony… so why not combine the two?

The ladies arrived in the Keys glowing, dressed up, and ready to share their stories during the final evening of the tournament. Their presence at the Awards Dinner added a heartfelt and powerful close to the event—reminding everyone why this mission matters.

Once the formalities were done, it was time to relax. The next morning, the group visited the Dolphin Research Center for a soul-lifting dolphin swim. Amanda shed tears of joy (as usual), and even stoic Jenn cracked a smile and welled up. When she lets her guard down, you know she’s at peace.

The following day we boarded a boat with Captain Allen Price, a retired firefighter and father of a child with cancer. The connection was instant. The weather wasn’t perfect, but we still found our own little slice of paradise out on the water.

We wrapped up the trip with sunset sails, poolside chats, and memories that we’ll carry long after we’re back to reality.

Here are a few reflections from the moms themselves:

“As a mother, getting time to yourself almost never happens. This was more than a retreat—it was healing. Time with other beautiful ladies who’ve endured similar hardships gave me the reset I needed. Swimming with dolphins was the highlight of my year. I came back a better wife, a better mother, a better me.”
—Amanda

“Everyday life is overwhelming, especially with a cancer diagnosis. You’re so focused on taking care of everyone else, you forget about yourself. This retreat came at the perfect time. Every moment we spent together was full of fun, rest, and connection.”
—Cindy

“When the foundation brought me to the Keys in 2018 after my terminal brain cancer diagnosis, I didn’t think I’d still be around now. This wasn’t just a getaway—it was a celebration of life, strength, and hope. I’ll forever cherish these memories and the Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation for making them possible.”
—Tosha

“There just are no words in the English language to describe how Jose’s legacy has impacted my life.”

-Jennifer

These women are the heartbeat of what we do—living proof that what starts as a fishing trip can become so much more. As my dad Jose Wejebe used to say, “There’s magic in the water.” And this time, that magic brought healing, sisterhood, and a little rest—at last—for some of the strongest moms we know.