Dedicated To Raising The Awareness Of Colon Cancer Through The Wonders Of Sportfishing.
"One In Eighteen People Will Develop Colorectal Cancer This Year"
In 2001 I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer and after surgery and 6 months chemotherapy I have become one of the lucky few to survive this deadly, yet very preventable disease. Wanting to make more people aware and to raise money for the cancer centers that specialize in research and treatment I looked to my love of big game fishing and started the Florida Fish for Life billfish tournament. In 2003 we where incorporated as a 501c3 non-profit. With the support of some very dear friends who have shared my desire to give back to their communities this event has grown significantly. We continue to run it with an all volunteer staff to minimize costs and maximize our donations.
Over the first seven years Florida Fish for Life has generated almost $300,000 for cancer centers in both Palm Beach and Philadelphia. Past donations have gone to the Southeastern Cancer Research Center of Palm Beach, the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania, the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, the Cleveland Clinic of Weston Florida, the Jupiter Medical Cancer Center and the Sari Asher Center.
We are proud to assure you that your entrance fees and donations go directly to support these fine institutions and the important work they are doing to isolate the causes, find a cure and treat those like me who are afflicted with colon cancer.
We must be pro-active with regard to our health. I would encourage all of you to take some time out of your busy schedules for a screening examination to check for early signs of this cancer. Early detection can save your life. Treatment of colon cancer in its earliest stages is remarkably successful, but if the disease is left unchecked the chance of survival drops precipitously. I pray you will take this awareness message seriously and tell your family and friends, too. Colon cancer is one disease where a little prevention and early screening definitely saves lives.
This year’s Fish for Life Billfish Tournament will again run concurrently with the Buccaneer Cup and it promises to be one of the most innovative fishing tournaments on the East Coast. The last two years yielded record sailfish releases so don’t miss out on a great tournament for a great cause. Your participation will help to make it a first class event and set a new standard for tournaments in the years to come. I extend my sincerest appreciation to all the owners, captains and anglers who are supporting our worthy charities and to those who could not be here, but have chosen to generously support us with their donations. Without the financial help of our sponsors and your participation none of this would be possible. Good luck fishing and have a healthy and happy New Year.
DONATE YOUR BOAT
If you can't fish with us and would still like to help our cause, you can donate the use of your boat and crew for three days. We will supply you with a tax donation letter. All you do is supply the boat fuel and crew. The crew will be tipped and the rest of the expenses will be taken care of by the group fishing on your boat. This will be a tremendous help for our charities. For further details call 561-351-7498.
I want to thank Margaret Krupa, Ken Hammel and Gary Belcher for donating their boats for our tournament. Their exceptional generosity has enabled us to exceed our financial goals. Thank you
WANT TO FISH AND DON'T HAVE A BOAT?
No problem Put together a crew of up to five people. We will supply you with one of the finest sport fishing boats on the east coast. Our boats range from 48 to 65 feet. So come on down to the gold coast of Florida and enjoy great fishing just 2 short miles from the beach. You will fish for practice one day and the tournament is for two days.
Your estimated expenses will be:
Boat fee and registration $6,000.00 ( tax deductible)
Crew tip $600.00
Bait runs approximately $100 per dz for live bait
Generally you will need 5 dozen
Hotels run between $75.00 and $250.00 plus taxes
Airfare runs $250.00 to 350.00 if booked early
For further information call 561-351-7498 We look forward to fishing with you!