Not even cancer or other serious illness could keep these kids from fishing at the USSA event. - FWS photo

 The United Special Sportsman Alliance (USSA) provides unique outdoor opportunities to children that are diagnosed with cancer, Down’s syndrome, terminal illnesses, and other challenges. 

These unique opportunities include fishing trips with professional B.A.S.S. anglers, hunting trips to some of the best ranches in Texas and around the country.  Brigid O’Donoghue, the founder of USSA, hosts an annual gathering of “Brigid’s Kids” and their families at her home in rural Black River Falls, Wisconsin. 

The Black River site is an outstanding location for fishing, boating and swimming, because of the many lakes and ponds used to fill and drain cranberry bogs that are prevalent in the area. 

This is the second year that Genoa National Fish Hatchery has been invited to present an aquarium of fish and give presentations to the nearly 200 people in attendance.  As the kids spent the day learning about fish and mussels, fishing, shooting bows and rifles, riding horses and swimming, it was easy to see that they valued this chance to enjoy the many outdoor opportunities available.