Teams fish for a cure for Cystic Fibrosis

Guy Nelson, Grace Beshore and Shawn Gould, with the biggest bass from the tournament. --Submitted photo

The Fifth Annual "Fishing For a Cure" Buddy Bass Tournament, held April 11 in Rich Hill, raised more than $1,100 in the fight against cystic fibrosis, a deadly genetic disease. With a total of 27 teams from all over the area, this year's competition was the biggest ever.

The charity tournament is an annual event to benefit Team Gracie and all proceeds are donated directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Teams of two checked in three fish each and prizes were awarded for total weight and biggest bass overall.

Taking first place, Rusty Campbell and Tim Shreeve won the overall trophy with a total weight of 18 pounds for three large mouth bass. They won $100, which they donated back to Team Gracie; trophies, T-shirts and Craftsman Truck Series tickets to Kansas Speedway. Shawn Gould checked in the largest bass the tournament has ever seen, weighing in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces. Shawn took home a tackle box, T-shirt and the "biggest bass cash pot". Shawn, with his teammate Guy Nelson, also came in second place for overall team with a total catch of 15 pounds, 14 ounces. They won tackle boxes, T-shirts and IRL tickets to Kansas Speedway. Dallas Jennings and Michael Simmons took home T-shirts when they came in third with a total of 10 pounds, 14 ounces. With generous sponsor donations, everyone who competed received door prizes. At check-in, everyone enjoyed a smoked pulled pork and pork tenderloin meal, courtesy of Terry and Dixie Hoeper.

Team Gracie is a group formed to support Grace Beshore and her battle with Cystic Fibrosis. Grace is the 6-year-old daughter of Chris Beshore, niece of Natalea Hoeper and granddaughter of Terry and Dixie Hoeper. Cystic Fibrosis affects approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States.

According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, "A defective gene causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections."

In the 1950s, few children with CF lived past Grace's current age; but with the help of donations from events like this, along with the strong commitment of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the life expectancy of CF patients has risen to 37 years.

Sponsors includeInternational Used Truck Center of Kansas City, Insurtec Salon Insurance and Cabela's.

To learn more about the event, making a charitable donation or for information about upcoming events, visit www.walkforgrace.

com or contact Chris Beshore at (417) 395-2770.