Harvesting a dream of a lifetime
Catch-A-Dream host Gayden Pollanof Mississippi, 17-year-old recipient Corbin Crawford and his father Gerry of Ipswich
Many young men dream of coming to Alaska on a big game hunt. There is no way of knowing how many of those who fantasize about an Alaskan hunt ever have their wishes come true. We do know that of those privileged few who get to experience a hunt in the Great Land, not all are successful. Last week, thanks to an organization known as the “Catch-A-Dream Foundation,” and Mike Adlam of the Blue Moose Lakeside Lodge in Sterling, a young man from Ipswich, South Dakota had his dream turn into a trophy for his bedroom.
The Catch-A-Dream Foundation grants once-in-a-lifetime outdoor experiences to children 18 years old or younger who have a life-threatening illness. Catch-A-Dream was founded in late 2000 to memorialize Bruce Brady, a native Mississippian and noted outdoor writer and sculptor who died of cancer. “This is a program for youth with precious little time to lose, who have a dream of an outdoor experience,” said Catch-A-Dream host Gayden Pollan. Pollan hails from Mississippi himself and says he was fortunate to live north of where hurricane Katrina struck, “We were doubly blessed to miss the hurricane and then to come to Alaska on a hunt with a Catch-A-Dream recipient and share the experience as he harvested a dream of a lifetime.” Pollan accompanied 17-year-old Corbin Crawford and his father Gerry on the successful caribou hunt.
“On the second day of the hunt we worked our way to within 18 feet of a real nice bull caribou and I was able to take him with one shot. The experience was more than anything I had imagined, it was totally awesome and more than I had ever dreamed or hoped for,” said Crawford. As far as his battle with cancer Corbin expressed appreciation for the support of his family and friends and said, “You just have to keep hoping for the best, its life and I believe everything happens for a reason.”
The hunt was guided by Mike Adlam of the Blue Moose Lakeside Lodge located in Sterling on Longmere Lake. Mike and Ellen Adlam are owners of the lodge and have been involved with the Catch-A-Dream Foundation for the last three years. They have donated their time as outfitters in assisting nine recipients realize their once in a lifetime Alaskan experience. “Once you catch the vision you just feel blessed to be part of the program,” said Ellen. For more information on the Catch-A-Dream Foundation, go to www.catchadream.org and to find out more about the Blue Moose Lakeside Lodge call 262-0669, or go to their web site at www.Blue-Moose.com