By Jim “Chiefy” Mathie | New Pelican Writer

This is personal for Carolyn Stash.

A self-described breast cancer survivor, she founded the Pink Ladies Breast Cancer Foundation and is hosting the 2nd Annual Pink Ladies Fishing Cure-nament in Pompano Beach on Oct. 7.

It all began in 2018 when Stash noticed a lump in her breast. When she went in for a checkup, she received the news no one wants to hear: “You have breast cancer.”

Stash had surgery right away and her prognosis is getting better every day. She’s still receiving treatments designed to keep her cancer in remission at the UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Deerfield Beach.

But cancer medication can result in bone loss and she now has osteoporosis, which is treated with bi-annual intravenous infusions at the cancer center. Cancer, she says, even as a survivor, “goes on forever.”

It’s one of life’s many “unexpected twists and turns” – all of them leading “her to the water.”

In 2014 while still working full time, Stash created AtlasTrax, a world-wide vessel and asset satellite tracking company. That year, she also started volunteering at local fishing tournaments. Volunteering, she says, helped her business become successful and gave her the support she needed to keep it going during her treatment.

Her own dedication to the fishing community has led her to be one of four women recently added to the Lighthouse Point Saltwater Sportsman Association. The others are attorney Lindsey Tenberg, yacht broker “Saltwater” Jackie Sabins, and Big Dog Tackle owner Nicole Zapetis.

The local fishing community has really stepped up to make the 2nd Annual Pink Ladies Fishing Cure-Nament a success. It started with local artist Dennis Friel creating and donating the tournament logo for the apparel.

EMC Aerospace is donating their 53 Hydrasport ‘Plane Bills’ for the second year and putting a team of survivors on board. FishAngler.com is also donating a boat and putting survivors on board. Starbrite will provide giveaways. Taco Marine gave outriggers and sunshade as auction items. Nautical Ventures donated a kayak. Stash’s company is donating a GPS tracker. Sea Spook Baits is donating rigging. Galuppis, Flannigan’s, and Sands Harbor Resort are hosting their respective events.

The Captain’s Party is Oct. 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Galuppi’s, 1103 N. Federal Hwy. in Pompano Beach. The fishing day is Oct. 7, with weigh-in from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Sands Harbor Resort & Marina at 125 N. Riverside Drive in Pompano Beach. The tournament catch is limited to kingfish, wahoo, dolphin, cobia, tuna and bonito and is open to all anglers.

To sponsor, donate or sign-up, email Stash at carolyn@pinkladiesbreastcancerfoundation.org or call 954-465-3743. Pink Ladies Breast Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)3. Visit pinkladiesbreastcancerfoundation.org for more information.