Fishing trip lifts family’s spirits

The deep sea excursion out of Niceville was arranged to lift the teen’s spirits during his current battle with a brain tumor.

NICEVILLE, FLA. — Juan “Bubba” Bush III was surprised earlier this month with a fishing trip on the Gulf of Mexico during a stormy Florida morning.

The deep sea excursion out of Niceville was arranged to lift the teen’s spirits during his current battle with a brain tumor. The 13-year-old spent most of the summer in the hospital.

The trip was hosted by Dave Heath, a civilian employee of the 96th Maintenance Group at Eglin Air Force Base. Dave said once he heard Bubba’s story, he was happy to take him fishing. Dave said he related to the Bush’s struggles because his brother had brain cancer.

Bubba, who has been battling the tumor since he was five, returned to the docks at Emerald Coast Marine Center in Niceville with his family, a big smile on his face, and a catch of king mackerel and red snapper.

 

“My favorite part of the trip was the first catch,” said Bubba. “It came up and dove right back out.”

The catch was delivered to Chef Dan’s Fuel Restaurant at the Emerald Coast Marine Center where the fish were filleted and cooked for an afternoon lunch.

Bubba’s parents, Tech. Sgt. Juan Bush, a reservist with the 6th Special Operations Squadron, and Jennifer Bush were appreciative of the support they have received for their son.

 

“It feels great,” said Jennifer. “It’s truly a blessing to have great friends and give him a great surprise.”

Bubba is currently receiving treatment at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

“He will be monitored every month for the next two years,” said Jennifer. “Even after the chemo (therapy) ends in two years, he will still be a patient at St. Jude’s for another five to monitor everything.”

 

Jennifer mentioned Children’s Cancer Awareness Month takes place in September and expressed her support of St. Jude’s.

Article by Tech. Sgt. Kenneth McCann, 919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs