Hunting, Fishing, Praying For A Cure

I met a young man by the name of Chip Madren on a Franklin County dove field in September 2015. Even though Chip, of Sandy Springs, was confined to a wheelchair during that afternoon of wing-shooting, his attitude didn’t match his physical limitation. Chip was talkative, passionate about hunting and had a very humble and gentle spirit about him. It was fun to watch him knock seven doves out of the sky that hot afternoon.

Chip, now 20, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2010 and has withstood numerous radiation treatments, surgeries and chemotherapy. After an uphill fight, Chip’s MRI scans were reported clear in June 2016. Still, Chip faces daily struggles with physical therapy as he strives for the goal of one day returning to his feet and walking short distances on his own.

Chip and his family began “Chip’s Nation” with a goal to raise money and awareness for families who battle through the trials of pediatric cancer. To move forward with their mission, two very close friends of the Madren family, Ally Bork, a senior at Chattahoochee High School, and Jenna Hogan, a senior at Dunwoody High School, are hosting a raffle fundraiser called “Hunting, Fishing, Praying For A Cure.”

The event will take place on Jan. 28, 2017 from 6-10 p.m. at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church in Dunwoody. It will be hosted by Realtree’s David Blanton and Jaye Watson with 11 Alive News. All proceeds will benefit four very important organizations to Chip’s Nation: Canine Assistants, Outdoor Dream Foundation, Cure Childhood Cancer and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

“We are expecting 500-plus people and have a goal of raising $50,000,” said Ally Bork. “This money is being raised through sponsors and ticket sales. You can buy tickets to this awesome event or become a sponsor by going to www.chipsnation.org and clicking ‘I Want To Participate!’ at the top of the website. There will be hundreds of raffle and auction items at the event. This includes a hunting trip to Texas with David Blanton, a yellow lab puppy, a beach house vacation and many more valuable auction items.”

When:     Jan. 28, 2017
Time:    6-10 p.m.
Where:    St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, Dunwoody
Tickets:    www.chipsnation.org