"Make-A-Wish" at Doc Warner's

Dakota’s Days at Doc’s

July 14-16, 2010 – Excursion Inlet, Alaska

Dakota Madill, along with his parents, Duane and Kay, spent 3 days fishing the waters of Icy Strait as guests of Doc Warner’s Alaska Fishing. The halibut and salmon fishing experience was the wish of this twelve year old boy stricken with Muscular Dystrophy. Sponsored by Make-A-Wish Foundation, Dakota chose Doc Warner’s after he and his father considered several options. Among the many appealing aspects of Doc Warner’s was the variety of fishing, the opportunity to set schedules, and the ability of the staff to accommodate Dakota’s particular needs.

Make-A-Wish arranged for the Madill family to be flown into a small airport adjacent the Ocean Beauty fish processing plant in Excursion Inlet. Upon arrival Dakota was asked what kind of fish he wanted to catch. He responded, “Halibut.” When asked how big of a fish he’d like to catch he said, “As big as the boat (a 26-footer) can handle. Wow! Such a fish would certainly set a new sport fishing record. On his first fishing excursion, later that day, he caught a halibut in the range of 15 pounds. It took his dad and Doc Warner to help him land it. He later said, “That was big enough.” So much for setting a new record. However, the smiles and satisfaction expressed said that this was a wonderful milestone for a unique young lad.

The next day Dakota expended his limited energy supply catching salmon. He and his parents caught several and this time he was landing them by himself. In about 3 hours time he totally exhausted himself; at the same time his smiles grew larger than ever. He had stories to tell of conquering battles against both halibut and salmon and there was more. He was enthralled to watch the bald eagles as they scanned the waters looking for a meal. He got very excited when the humpback whales paid a visit and came within about 50 yards of the boat. Add in a couple of dolphin and a sea lion and we had a boy on sensory overload. It was quite a day that more than exceeded his fondest hopes.

But the fun wasn’t over. Guests at the lodge also enjoyed interacting with Dakota and his family. So many of them acted like they were family, inquiring into his comfort and happiness. On the last night they raised the cheers and sang, “For he’s a jolly good fellow” in acknowledgement of their affection for Dakota. He was also showered with gifts and memorabilia. It was so apparent that each person was reflecting on how good it was to be healthy and strong. Dakota had delivered a powerful message without saying a word. It was hard to tell who took greater pleasure, Dakota or the guests, at his being at Doc Warner’s for those three days.