‘We Did it Because Ron’s Ron!’
May 1st, 2012 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified May 1st, 2012 at 12:00 AM
Mark Fisher, long-time face at Rapala, signaled yet another ray of hope for the man regarded as one of the all-time best trollers of the walleye tours, Ron Seelhoff. Battling months of radiation following throat cancer surgery where doctors removed larynx, vocal cords, lymph nodes and thyroid, Ron is in a position where he cannot talk.
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“He’s feeling pretty rough due to severe burns from radiation which ended April 27, and he’s on chocolate shakes and an Ensure diet,” said daughter Ivy. Ever the optimist, Ivy, his primary caregiver added, “Dad is doing very well, considering he’s suffering extremely bad burns, is weak and was told by the doctors to expect much of the same for up to two more months.”
That’s where Mark Fisher stepped into the picture. Ron has been a stalwart among the ranks of Rapala pro anglers, and won most of his major titles, championships and tournaments trolling a variety of Rapalas. “We all know Ron wants to fish again, and we decided to help. Rapala paid his entry fee for the FLW Lake Erie tournament.”
When asked why his company took that action, Mark said, “We did it because Ron’s Ron!” Ron would not have been able to fish Lake Erie without Rapala’s involvement. Ivy said, “Dad really wants to get back on the water as fast as he can.”
Through Ivy, Ron said, “It’s amazing to see how the industry companies really pulled together to help a guy out. Mercury, Lund, Rapala, MinnKota and others stepped up and donated prizes for a hometown fund-raiser that went really well.” The funds were essential to keep them afloat due to medical travel and lodging. The radiation treatments were conducted in Omaha over the course of months, and hundreds of miles away.
Ivy ran an online auction on Walleye First, raising thousands of dollars. The items sold included Canadian resort stays and guided fishing trips. “I realized how many friends I had; they took time from their busy schedules to do guide trips for me. I look forward to seeing them on the water,” he said.
Ivy, more than just a proud daughter, said, “We can’t let the legends die off after they put so much into the fishing industry. In a professional business it’s important to know your roots.” She wanted to thank everybody again and again, saying, “Through the prayers, donations and support of so many, we made it. Every card and email gave me something to keep moving, personally, at this, the toughest episode in our family’s life.”
Ron Seelhoff can be reached via email at [email protected]. Donations should be made to Ron Seelhoff Cancer Fund, and sent to Cancer Fund, Lisco State Bank, PO Box 105, Lisco, NE 69148. While Ron thanks us, it’s really us – the collective walleye world – that owe him a debt of thanks!