The Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation recently welcomed the Boyce family to the Florida Keys for a restorative fishing and adventure experience designed to provide respite for families facing pediatric cancer and other life-altering medical challenges.
Brian and Michelle Boyce, along with their four children—Amilia, Judah, Lucas, and Micah—arrived in the Keys after navigating one of the most difficult chapters of their lives. Two years ago, their son Judah was diagnosed with cancer while Michelle was 30 weeks pregnant with their youngest son, Micah. Overnight, the family found themselves balancing a high-risk pregnancy, the arrival of a new baby, and the demands of pediatric cancer treatment.
Although Judah has completed treatment, he continues to face significant long-term effects, including traumatic brain injury and seizures.
The Boyce family was referred to the foundation by a previous recipient—a testament to the lasting impact these experiences have on the families served.
“Our greatest hope is that every family leaves with memories that help carry them through the difficult days ahead,” said Britt Myers, Executive Director of the Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation. “When Michelle told us this trip was exactly what they needed—even though they didn’t know they needed it before they came—it reminded us why this foundation exists.”
During their stay, the family enjoyed a full itinerary made possible by generous volunteers and community partners.
Captain Mike Mako guided the family on a fishing adventure where they caught mutton snapper and yellowtail snapper, which they later enjoyed during a cook-your-catch dinner prepared by Tonio’s. They also landed a healthy Nassau grouper, which was safely released.
Judah and his father shared a special father-son outing on the flats with guide Ben Moloney, where Judah caught his first shark.
The family’s experience also included swimming with dolphins, an up-close shark encounter with Extreme Shark Tours, and an unforgettable aerial tour of the Florida Keys donated by Roger Nicholas.
Beyond the scheduled activities, the foundation’s volunteers created opportunities for Brian and Michelle to simply enjoy time together while their children explored, laughed, and experienced the simple joy of being kids.
The mission reflects the legacy of the late Jose Wejebe, whose television series Spanish Fly inspired generations of anglers by emphasizing that fishing was about far more than catching fish. Through his passion for conservation, education, family, and adventure, Jose demonstrated the unique ability of time on the water to bring people together.
Today, that legacy continues through the foundation, providing healing experiences for families navigating some of life’s greatest challenges.
The Boyce family’s visit embodied that mission. They caught fish, released fish, explored the Florida Keys by land, sea, and air, and, perhaps most importantly, spent uninterrupted time together as a family.
“Fishing may not change the world,” Myers said. “But it can absolutely change the world for one family—one trip, one child, and one memory at a time.”
The Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation provides outdoor experiences for families facing pediatric illness and hardship, creating opportunities for healing, connection, and hope while honoring Jose Wejebe’s enduring legacy.
