BLACK DAGGER GROUP 3: A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE FOR MILITARY COUPLES

2024 brought an unusual Hurricane Season, with storms developing late into the year. The west coast of Florida faced significant devastation, and while recovery was underway, students in the area had to make up for lost school days. This unexpected schedule shift disrupted plans Misty Wells and her organization, A Reel Future, had set up for foster kids to enjoy winter break fishing trips with us in the Keys. Misty, a dedicated advocate for outdoor adventures, quickly pivoted to salvage the plans.

Black Dagger Group 2 Recap

The 2024 hurricane season was unusually active, with storms forming late in the year. Florida’s west coast endured significant damage, and while recovery efforts were underway, many kids had to make up missed school days. This directly impacted our plans. Misty Wells from Let’s Take It Outside and A Reel Future, who had previously hosted foster kids on fishing trips with us, had planned another round during winter break. But with school rescheduled, those plans had to be adjusted.

Late Hurricane Season, New Connections, and Memorable Fishing Trips

The 2024 hurricane season delivered its challenges, with storms developing unusually late in the year. Florida's west coast faced significant impacts, leaving communities working hard to regain a sense of normalcy. For many children, this meant making up for missed school days.

But what does that have to do with us? Everything!

A Dream Come True: After three years of planning and overcoming numerous health challenges, the Whittaker family—Dan, Cindy, and Danny—finally embarked on their dream fishing trip.  This heartwarming story of resilience, hope, and the healing power of fishing is a testament to the foundation's commitment to bringing joy to families facing difficult circumstances. 

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. 

David Cain had always dreamed of catching a tarpon on the fly. The powerful, air-breathing fish was a prized catch for any angler, but especially those who practiced the artful discipline of fly fishing. For years, David had imagined the intense fight, the somersaulting leaps, and the thrill of finally bringing one of these silver kings to hand.

“The Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation has been such a blessing to our family. After Bode was diagnosed with Leukemia in April 2022, life has been topsy turvy to say the least ... When Krissy reached out and offered us this trip, it was met with excitement, relief, and nervousness. The fear of planning something more than a day in advance is real, but Krissy assured us that we would have an amazing time and she would be able to work around our needs.”

As the Executive Director of the Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation, and Jose's daughter, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and optimism as I look back on the incredible journey of the Spanish Fly Shark Tournament.

“The Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation has been such a blessing to our family. After Bode was diagnosed with Leukemia in April 2022, life has been topsy turvy to say the least ... When Krissy reached out and offered us this trip, it was met with excitement, relief, and nervousness. The fear of planning something more than a day in advance is real, but Krissy assured us that we would have an amazing time and she would be able to work around our needs.”

In January of 2023, Virgil VanKleek was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a form of childhood cancer, at only 14 months old. “Our family was crippled last year. Wounded very badly by cancer and the myriad of complications associated with its punches. Despite a tremendous victory in Virgil ringing his end of treatment bell, declaring he struck back and defeated cancer, our family had not healed,” his mother Amanda shared.