Like many who live locally, one of Chad Cartwright’s favorite activities is spending time on the water. He’s been fishing for most of his life, including professionally, and loves spending time outdoors. However, Cartwright has been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, and doctors told him the prognosis is terminal.
“Before I leave this Earth, I want to make an impact,” he said in one of his Facebook videos made to promote his cause of encouraging youth to get outdoors.
Cartwright has fond memories of his childhood spent fishing, camping and enjoying other outdoor activities with his parents.
He’s fished professionally in tournaments, and wants to inspire the same passion he has in today’s youth.
“I’m 58 years old now, and I get just as excited about catching a fish today as I did when I was 10,” he said. “And that’s something that child can take with them the rest of their life.”
He’s calling on other adults and mentors to show up for the youth in their lives and prove to them that you see their worth.
“The main goal is to get our kids involved,” he said, “but the first step, we as adults and parents and grandparents need to show an interest, so that it may carry over to our youth of today.”
He has provided several different ways that adults can get involved. One is to reach out to local schools and see if there is a fishing team.
If there is, consider volunteering time with the members. If not, find out the reason why and try to be part of the solution.
Cartwright also talked about the impact that companies can have when they sponsor teams by doing things like placing their logo on a team shirt, saying that it will give the youth a sense of pride and trust.
“He’ll do more to promote your business than most adults will,” Cartwright said, referring to the youth.
Cartwright now lives in Lyon County, and every day he passes the sign that notes the county as home to Lance Freeman, 2012 Senior Bassmaster Champion. Cartwright had the honor of fishing with Freeman and called him “one of the humblest guys I know.” He hopes that in years to come, other names will join Freeman’s as Bassmaster Champions.
Cartwright describes fishing as a “wholesome sport” that has taught him “honor, respect, not to mention the friends I’ve made along the way.”
“There are so many opportunities for our youth that many have no idea of,” he said, “opportunities that weren’t around when I was growing up.” Cartwright wants to make sure that youth become aware of the opportunities, and knows that the adults in their life are the best way for that.
That is why he has decided to create the Chad Cartwright Memorial high school fishing scholarship fund.
The scholarship will provide funds to high school students who are active members of their high school fishing team to help fund their studies after graduation. It’s aimed to be a nonprofit organization that raises funds through auctions, sales of donated items and monetary donations.
He plans for there to be two scholarships: one for eastern Kentucky and one for western Kentucky.
The scholarship is still in its early stages of development, but Cartwright has been talking with local guidance counselors to decide how to best move forward. There is a Facebook page available for those who would like to follow along.
Cartwright has already received messages of support on social media from those who were motivated to become more involved in the lives of youth.
“My focal point is fishing,” he said, “and how it impacted my life, from the first fish I can remember to the last one caught. It truly is my therapy, my stress relief. When I’m on the water, I’m not thinking of a mortgage, truck payment or bills piling up. I’m in tune with nature. Fishing is for everyone, whether it be relaxation, fun or tournament fishing.”
Cartwright said the point of the story is not that he’s sick. While the diagnosis gave him the motivation, his goal is to try to give youth a chance at the same passion and love for a sport that he has found.
“My bucket list is not full and it won’t be, but I’ll go to my grave proud of that effort,” he added.
