Neil and Alex Turner of Edmond, Oklahoma are living examples of the ripple effect of C.A.S.T. for Kids events. “On their own C.A.S.T. for Kids events are great, but I never realized their long -lasting impacts on people’s lives” Neil said recently as we began our interview for this story.
“Alex has autism and is 11 years old. A few years, I introduced him to fishing and we found it had many benefits for Alex and he enjoyed it.” said Neil. “The physical and occupational therapy of Alex handling the fishing rod, combined with the mental factors of patience and determination made fishing a good recreational outlet for us as a father and son.”
“One day about four years ago, Landon Martin called and invited us to participate in the C.A.S.T. for Kids event he coordinates at Lake Weatherford, TX”, continued Neil. “We were unsure and worried about what to expect”, he said, “but when we arrived we received a warm welcome, and Alex enjoyed every aspect of the day. He really enjoyed being around the other people, talking to them, and receiving his award plaque. The following year we attended another C.A.S.T. for Kids event in Waco, TX and really enjoyed it as well.”
Alex began enjoying fishing so much, and one day he said to Neil “Hey dad, I have caught fish in 5 counties in Oklahoma, do you think I could catch a fish in all 77 counties in Oklahoma?” Being the awesome dad that Neil is, he replied “That is quite a large goal son, but I think you can do it!” Over the next three years, Alex and Neil traveled to every county in Oklahoma, and Alex achieved his goal! It wasn’t easy, especially given the scarcity of water in some western Oklahoma counties, but Alex accomplished his goal! Alex said the best part of this experience was all the good people he met along the way.
“Because Alex was fishing so much, he didn’t want to attend another C.A.S.T. for Kids event and take a spot away from another child who wanted to participate”, said Neil. “Instead, we began thinking about starting a new C.A.S.T. for Kids event for children in Oklahoma. We knew about Bethany Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma, and one day we approached them and asked if we could bring a C.A.S.T. for Kids event to the hospital for the patients to enjoy. It took a little work, but with the help of Oklahoma Fish and Game, we were able to bring catfish and bluegill to the hospital, fill pools of water with the fish, then have the hospital patients come outside and take turns fishing and being celebrated. It was a fantastic event for the kids at that hospital!”
The progression of this story is incredible, from Alex being worried and timid about attending his first C.A.S.T. for Kids event, to growing to serve others by helping
Neil coordinate a new C.A.S.T. for Kids event at a Children’s Hospital. Amazing! Neil summed things up this way, “Alex is an 11 year-old boy with autism showing the world what he can do, and hopefully now he will inspire others to make a difference!”
We couldn’t have said it better. Congratulations Neil and Alex, we are proud to call you members of the C.A.S.T. for Kids family! Keep up the good work.
