Catch a fish and remember Timothy Roberts of North Andover

NORTH ANDOVER — "Bass man" Timothy Roberts spent many days fishing on Lake Cochichewick.

His mother, Pat, said a fishing derby on the lake is the perfect way to remember her son more than two years after he died at age 22 of esophageal cancer.

Friends and family have organized the second annual fishing derby on June 7 to remember Roberts and to raise money for the Reeling in a Dream fund established in his memory. The fund fulfills dreams for young adults ages 18 to 30 with cancer.

Pat Roberts said her son used to fish near Brooks School with his grandmother when he was little, so the day holds special meaning for her.

"This event is not one of our biggest fundraisers," she said. "It's really just to share Timmy's passion for fishing and spread the sport for other people. People pull out some pretty big fish, too."

Last year, $7,000 was raised through ticket and food sales for the fund. Prizes are awarded for the biggest bass, chosen because it was Roberts' favorite. "Bass man" was his screen name on his instant messenger account. For the children, a prize is given for the biggest fish, no matter the kind. Food also is for sale and a Pelican Bass Boat will be raffled.

Permits for the day cost $10 for fishing on shore and $25 for those in boats. The town has waived boat permits for the day and it also happens to be free fishing day in Massachusetts, so fishing permits are not required.

Pat Roberts said the support of her son's friends, along with the support of the community, has shown what an amazing person he was.

"He had a much bigger impact on the world than what we ever thought," she said. "He is still so very missed."

She said at least 25 young adults have benefited from the Reeling in a Dream fund in the last two years, which is paid for with fundraisers such as the fishing derby, the Bassman's Ball and a whiffle ball tournament every summer. The idea for the fund came from her son who wanted to make life better for others with cancer.

Michael Hubner, director of social work at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, said the fund is special because it was set up to fulfill a wish for an age group that doesn't benefit from other programs, which are usually set up to help out children.

"This focuses on quality of life beyond the day-to-day needs," Hubner said. "This sends a message to our young adults that we want to be able, in the midst of their treatment, to give them an opportunity to fulfill a dream and take pleasure and joy in their surroundings."

Hubner said treatment and long hospital stays can lead to isolation, so many have chosen a trip or item that will help them connect to people who are important to them. A 26-year-old patient with colon cancer used the money to go camping with his wife and three-year-old daughter. A 31-year-old patient with esophageal cancer bought a camcorder to record his young daughter's first steps.

The money, capped at $500 per patient, also has been used to celebrate reaching a critical point in treatment. A 22-year-old breast cancer patient went with a friend to Disney World after months of rigorous chemotherapy and before a mastectomy.

"It says to them, we want you to have some pleasure and joy," Hubner said. "That's what Tim thought we needed to do."

Catch a fish:

r Must have ticket

r No fishing license or boat permit required

r Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult

Shore fishing:

Where: Brooks School, 1160 Great Pond Road

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cost: $10 per person, $15 same-day registration

Boat fishing:

Where: Brooks School, old pumping station off Route 133 and the Hatch by Stevens Pond

When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.