Guido Hibdon and his family thought the worst was over last December, following his final chemotherapy treatment for colon cancer. He is over the hump but not out of the woods.
Hibdon, the 1988 Bassmaster Classic champion, became unexpectedly ill after that treatment. As a result, he is undergoing extended health care rehab and treatments for the next several months.
The 1990 and 1991 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year lost 147 pounds during the greuling treatment. Family members and friends report that Hibdon, 71, is weak but upbeat. Dion Hibdon, the 1997 Classic winner, is on hiatus from his pro angling career to stay close to home and help out.
So are others. Family friend Tammy Cox started a GoFundMe campaign to help the family deal with the financial burden of the recovery and related expenses.
“The angling community is a tight knit family and that’s why I started the campaign,” said Cox.
She set a goal of $100,000 by July 4, 2017, and as expected, friends and fans are responding. As of today, $29,000 is in the account with more donations coming in.
“Hospital bills add up and this is one of the great families of fishing,” added Denny Brauer, the 1998 Classic champion and 1987 AOY winner. “They always took time to help me early in my career, like they did with a lot of us, and it’s just good for us to return the favor.”
Find more about the campaign here.