How An 8th Grader Is Changing Lives Through Fishing
- By: Joseph Simonds
- on
What an impressive young man!
I recently got an email from one of our Insider members telling me about how his son has been helping children with pediatric cancer through fishing.
I read what he was doing and just assumed his son was in his late teens or early twenties, but then I watched their story on Inside Edition and was blown away!
Jake Klopfenstein is only 13 years old and he’s out there bringing relief to kids and their families who are dealing with pediatric cancer by bringing fishing into their lives.
When he was in kindergarten he had an older friend, Ryan, who had cancer and eventually passed away.
Jake just couldn’t believe that Ryan couldn’t live like a normal kid and brought it up to his mom for years.
Finally, his mom told him to stop feeling bad and do something about it!
He came up with some ideas and Pa-POW!
Angling For Relief was born.
In this episode, Jake and his mom, Toni, share their inspiring journey of starting this organization.
They cover a lot, including:
- What “dry fishing kits” are, and how they’re helping children cope with cancer
- How they got started with live events, and how they’re helping more children than they ever imagined
- Why it’s important to include the patient’s entire family in these events (especially their siblings)
- What their long-term goals for Angling For Relief are
- And much more!
You can listen to the podcast by clicking the play button below, or on iTunes, Stitcher, or Spotify.
Changing Lives Through Fishing [PODCAST]
Note: Don’t forget to subscribe to the Salt Strong podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Spotify.
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Another way that Angling For Relief helps children is through their YouTube videos.
They have videos where they show kids how to tie different knots and use the equipment from their dry fishing kits.
Below is an example of one of them.
Dry Fishing Kit Activity: Loop Knot [VIDEO]
What an awesome tutorial!
So we know how they help kids…
Now, what about how you can help?
How You Can Help Angling For Relief
There are several ways you can help out, including:
1. Spreading the word
You can check them out on their website, AnglingForRelief.org, on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.
Sharing their website, social media channels, and even this podcast is a great way to get more awareness of their mission and their needs.
You can also use their hashtag on any social media channels, which is #fishingisrelief.
2. Volunteer
They need experienced anglers to help out during these live events (hint hint Salt Strong Nation!!).
You can learn more about volunteering by clicking here.
Their next event is October 19 at E.G. Simmons Park where they already have 24 children signed up!
3. Donations
You can make a monetary donation or donate fishing equipment to go in the dry fishing kits (although Jake did say they prefer receiving fishing equipment).
You can also purchase equipment at T.A. Mahoney’s in Tampa and tell them to keep it for Angling For Relief and they’ll put in a box for Toni and Jake to pick up.
Conclusion
I love hearing inspiring stories like Jake’s and am so proud that he’s going out in his community and making a difference in people’s lives.
If you want to keep up with and support Angling For Relief’s journey you can do so at the links below:
Have any questions about their mission?
Let us know in the comments below.
And please share this episode and help spread the Angling For Relief Mission!
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STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Thanks, Joe for the opportunity to tell our story! The more people know what Angling for Relief is doing, the more families we can impact and more awareness made for pediatric cancer!
Love what you guys are doing in the community. Can’t wait to see how many kids and families you impact!