A hunt for a terminally ill cancer patient

[backpackin]

A good friend of mine has been fighting cancer since he was 17. He is now 48. He has battled fiercely over the years and has held this devastating disease at bay,until now...He has been given a year left to live. He has been an ethical sportsman his whole life and lives for just being in the outdoors like we all do. He just told me today if he could go on one quality muley hunt it would be a dream come true. I would love nothing more than to help that become a reality for him. I'm not necessarily looking for a handout but more looking for any experience any of you might have had regarding this type of thing. I'm looking for possible programs to get a hold of, or fundraising ideas that have worked, or any kind of step toward helping this great man fulfill a dream. Are there any special drawings or programs for the terminally ill? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[trophyhunter]

Sorry to hear about your friends illness. Since it's now mule deer season and your friend has a time frame issue.You only have a small window for hunting this year. I would suggest posting his situation in the Tags and Hunts forum on this and other hunting websites. Maybe contacting some of those outfitters that have tags or cancellations. You might be able to work something out with one of them for a this years hunt where they have an opening. At least talking with some of them you can choose a price range etc.

I have seen guns up for auction but with all the regs. Now that most likely would be a hassle, special accounts set up at banks for donations, then post the situation everywhere on the internet and ask for on-line donations. IMO this would be your best option and most exposure to donations.
What State does your friend live in?
Good Luck.

))))------->

 

[Wapitiwilly]

Sorry to hear about your friend. I can't help this year because of lack of available tags. If you check with outfitters/landowners in Colorado/Nevada you should be able to find a great hunt for this year. I would be more than happy to make a donation to help the costs for his hunt if that's possible

 

[YELUM]

Yes, what city/state is he at, and how well can he travel.

Yelum

YBU

 

[backpackin]

He Is in Utah, he can travel pretty well, but can't hike. everything would basically have to be a road hunt. I didn't know whether or not I could get anything set up this year, especially in Utah because he tried to hunt archery in Utah this year but couldn't finish the hunt because his health plummeted. In optimism I am hoping he could last long enough to catch an earlier hunt next year, that may or may not happen though. Thank you in advance to any who reply, it is much appreciated

 

[backpackin]

Wapitiwilly, thank you so much for your offer! The generosity of your offer blows me away. Especially since my friend and I are strangers to you. I am only in the beginning of this process and am just trying to collect data on what is a good route to take to make this happen. So I really don't know what kind of costs are going to be involved or how big the fundraising effort might have to be. If you would like I could keep you posted as the pieces come together in the future. Again, thanks for even offering to help.

 

[treedagain]

if possible try and set something up this year. I am also wiling to donate to the cause. check with the DWR and see if they will validate his tag for the rifle hunt and see if someone comes thru with some quality access.


How to start an argument online:
1. Express an opinion
2. Wait

 

[TSX]

Contact John Bard who sits on the Wildlife Board to see if the Wildlife Board will help to possible re-validate his archery tag to a rifle. You will probable need medical documentation of his current condition and future prognosis from his physican(s).

Also, contact Dave Woodhouse, Chairman of SFW to see if they can also help in locating a land owner, CWMU operator or other for this years hunt. They have done this before for cancer patients.

Lastly, Kevin and/or Mike Pritchett (Mike is the Turkey specialist for SFW). They put on the annual fishing at Salem Pond in Salem, Utah. They to have contacts that could also help with this situation.

Good Luck.

 

[Wapitiwilly]

Please keep me posted I am happy to help in anyway.

 

[dz]

As are many of us. Please keep us posted on needs.

DZ

 

[backpackin]

So here is an update: we have found a tag in Colorado for my friend, unit 60, third season. It sounds like we will be able to purchase the tag for 1400 dollars. We are hoping to raise a little more than that to account for some of the other costs, like the Colorado hunting license and hotels, etc. First of all we just want to thank any who can donate in advance, and we also want to thank all those who have already been putting in effort and research to find available hunts and resources. A special thanks to Burke Staheli from southern Utah who was ready to roll out the red carpet and give us a hunt on his ranch, wish we could have made that work! Thanks Burke! You are a top notch gentleman! We will have an account set up at 1st national bank of Morgan by the end of the day and I will relay more info. On how to donate to that account later today. Or PM me and I will get back to you with that info. I have been blown away by the generousity of those willing to help, thanks for making this dream come true!

 

[dz]

Have you figured out the complete cost of the trip? Fuel, food.....? I will send a check.

DZ

 

[backpackin]

Hey DZ, first of all thank you so much for supporting us in this endeavor. I know I won't be able to thank you enough. I have calculated the total cost of this hunt to be around 2400-2500 dollars after we redeem our voucher for a license ($350.00) plus gas and hotel accommodations. This guy is worth it though, he has been a great member of our community and a good representation of what sportsmen should be. Thanks for helping us get him on what will likely be his last hunt in this life.