Making Dreams Come True
By Patty Lenderman

Once upon a time there was a beautiful little boy born to proud parents. Sounds typical, doesn't it? Many of us take for granted the blessing of having a healthy child born to us. This is a story of strength, hope, struggle and how dreams come true.

About 18 years ago, David and Patti Haigler were blessed with a son named Blake. While he was still an infant, he developed kidney disease. Blake's parents and doctors tried several different medications over the course of three years and nothing worked. Finally, the little boy had to have a kidney transplant.

As Blake grew up, he didn't let constant medical vigilance daunt him from his true love - fishing! His parents took him at every opportunity. His love for the sport grew to a passion. In the mean time, his body would not let him have the strength or the health that many of us take for granted. He and his doctors are constantly working for improvement in his health. They know he will need another transplant, but are putting it off as long as they possibly can.

"My doctor put my name in with "Make-A-Wish" Blake explained. The Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded in 1980 to serve children with life-threatening medical conditions. The Foundation's mission reflects the lifechanging impact that a Make-A-Wish experience has on children, 2 ½ to 18 years of age, and their families. His application was reviewed and accepted. "I got a phone call in April (2007) from them." Blake and his parents met with representatives from the Make-A-Wish foundation, and Blake was asked to register five wishes. The wish granted to him was a shopping spree at the Bass Pro Shop in Shreveport / Bossier City, Louisiana! He went there in July like a kid in a candy store. Mike and Cathy Wheatley were there as Bass Pro Shops pro staff members to help Blake shop.

"We met Blake and his parents at the store," Cathy began. "It was very apparent how much he loved to fish. He just glowed with happiness talking about it." Mike and Cathy are renowned global guides for fishing and hunting. They felt they could do more for Blake than just helping him shop. "We talked while we shopped, and we asked Blake if he would like to go fishing. He told us he's always wanted to fish with a professional angler." They made a call to a friend and colleague, Lonnie Stanley. He is not only a professional angler but also founder of Stanley Baits. Lonnie was only too happy to take Blake fishing, and after schedules were put together the fishing trip was planned.

Blake had a long wait from that day at Bass Pro Shop until Spring of 2008. Mike, Cathy and Lonnie wanted to give Blake the best chance of catching the biggest bass and Spring is the time of year to do it.

Permission was granted to fish in a private lake, giving Blake the whole place to himself without competing for water from other boaters. The day arrived, and we met early in the morning. The day broke with patches of fog and the members of this fishing excursion headed to this special body of water to make this young man's dream of a lifetime come true. The boat was launched, and the fishing began. Lonnie started the catching action, and Blake soon followed suit.

Fishing with a professional angler and a global guide can put pressure on anyone. Blake had to settle down and fish, missing several strikes before getting his rhythm down. It was all a song and a dance after that. Everyone started sharing fishing stories, laughing together - it didn't take any time before they were already "old buds."

Using a variety of lures in Stanley's arsenal, Mike and Lonnie shared their expertise in lure retrieve, rod position, reel speed, etc. Blake soaked up all that they would share. As the day wore on, fish after fish was reeled in - but Blake put the lion's share in the boat. He showed his new friends that he too was a great fisherman.

His proud parents stayed on shore and watched with pride as their son's dream came true. While Blake may have more struggles ahead, he will always have this wonderful day to carry with him. We'll be watching for him out on the lake having more adventures!