Are We There Yet?
Justin and Heather Stroud were aware that their son, William, would have several heart defects before he was born in August of 2013. “We delivered him at UAB and he was transferred that day to Children’s of Alabama,” explains Heather. William underwent one of three open heart surgeries at just six days old. Heather adds, “Unfortunately, he passed away on January 15, 2014, in the hospital and we were never able to take him home.” Heather shares that the following May, several of her college sorority sisters reached out telling her about another sorority sister that was travelling a similar road. What followed was “a total God thing.” Together, four families that all had precious boys born with congenital heart defects, came together to organize the Captain D’s Castin’ ‘N Catchin’ Fishing Tournament which raises funds for the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama.
The 4th Annual Captain D’s Castin’ ‘N Catchin’ tournament is Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the Goose Pond Colony Resort on the banks of Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro, Ala. The goal for the first tournament three years ago was to raise $10,000. Thanks to amazing sponsors and donors, the total money raised was $115,000! Since then, the tournament has raised more than $300,000 for Children’s of Alabama in just three years. Justin says, “We want to stress that the tournament is run by four families who have a passion to give back to the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center. We are eternally grateful for the love, support and care they gave our boys and us.”
In addition to the fishing tournament, there will be a free fishing clinic for children ages 12 and under. Participating children will learn from professional fishers and receive a bag full of fun fishing goodies. The fishing clinic will take place on Saturday, April 27, from 12-2 p.m. at the Goose Pond Colony Resort.
To register and learn more, visit www.castinncatchin.org. Participants that register before April 12 will receive a tournament t-shirt. This year’s grand prize is at least $5,000. The top 60 winners will also receive either a cash or fishing prize. If you are passionate about fishing, this is a great opportunity to have fun and raise money for children like William! The fun day of fishing will commence at safe light, 5:30 a.m.
-Melissa Armstrong
