About

Hi, I am Jake, the founder of Angling for Relief. Angling for Relief is a nonprofit organization that combines my passion for fishing and my desire to bring a smile to the faces of children battling cancer.
Why Angling for Relief?
As a Kindergartner, I was blessed with some great 6th, 7th and 8th grade buddies at my school that were very kind to me. Ryan Baker was one of those buddies. At the end of my Kindergarten year, Ryan was diagnosed with Pediatric Ewing Sarcoma. I did not see Ryan much over the next 18 months while he battled this cancer. I wondered why he could not go to school and why he could not join in activities during that time. It has been over 4 years since Ryan passed, and I always remember Ryan, his smile and how he was so kind to me. I have been thinking about all the children that are now going through cancer treatment and are limited in the activities they are able to do, just as Ryan was. As my passion is fishing, I want them to be able to fish!
Through the programs we have developed, children will be able to learn to fish from their home/hospital using our “Dry Fishing Kit” and educational materials. Our YouTube channel gives them demonstrations and activities to learn more about fishing. We will then offer them the opportunity to put their skills to the test on the water once they are cleared by their medical team/parents and join us at our #FishingIsRelief events. At these events, the entire family is welcome to join in the fun and find some fishing relief, too.