Three years ago, James Spengler was diagnosed with a little-known tumor disease, and a rare form of cancer. He was 2 years old.
Today James is a thriving little boy. He loves fishing with his dad — Matt, a lifetime local resident, avid sportsman and devoted father.
To celebrate his son’s new lease on life — and help organizations like the Children’s Tumor Foundation and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center– Matt has organized a fishing tournament.
The first Saugatuck Cup takes place Saturday, October 3. It’s a 1-day catch-and-release contest, with anglers using fly or spin rods to compete for bass, blues and false albacore in Long Island Sound.
The tournament — open to 30 boats — is presented in conjunction with Westport Outfitters. Prominent figures in the sport, including fly-tying innovator Eric Peterson and striper expert Lou Tabory, will be there.
“Watching my son, and numerous children like him, fight for their lives has profoundly affected me,” Matt says. “The Children’s Tumor Foundation and Sloan-Kettering not only saved my son’s life — they saved mine too. This fishing tournament could be a good 1st step in raising awareness and giving back.”
(Visit Westport Outfitters at 609 Riverside Avenue, or click here for entry forms and more information.)
