Gulf Coast News Highlights Valerie’s House Kids Finding Joy on the Water

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Valerie’s House was honored to be featured this week in a beautiful Gulf Coast News story by reporter Britt Leoni, who joined our children during a special fishing day hosted by ESPN’s Goliath Fishing star, Captain James Marko.

The article, “Kids at Valerie’s House learn to ‘reel’ in joy,” shines a thoughtful light on the children and teens in our children’s grief support programs who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or caregiver. The story captured something we see every week at Valerie’s House — that even in the middle of deep grief, moments of connection and joy still matter.

A Day That Meant More Than Fishing

The Gulf Coast News team met our kids at Pine Island Marina in Bokeelia, where Captain Marko volunteered his time and boats to create a mini inshore fishing tournament just for them.

What made the day so powerful wasn’t simply the fish they reeled in — it was the sense of belonging and relief they felt while being surrounded by peers who understand what loss feels like. As Britt Leoni wrote, these children carry far more than tackle boxes. Many opened up about their grief, sharing memories of their person while finding comfort in the simple joy of being out on the water.

Eight-year-old Chris, one of the children featured, bravely spoke about losing his mom. His story represents so many children in grief counseling for kids across Southwest Florida who are learning how to navigate painful emotions while finding new ways to heal.

Why Experiences Like This Matter

For kids who come to Valerie’s House, grief can show up in many ways — sadness, confusion, anger, or silence. Days like this give them a chance to breathe, laugh, and remember that they are not alone.

Captain Marko said it best in the piece:
“If we can give them one moment of thinking about nothing but being in that moment, what else can we accomplish?”

His generosity created a day of joy that will stay with our families for a long time. We are deeply grateful for the way he supports youth grief programs and believes in the mission of Valerie’s House.

A Community Standing With Grieving Children

This story is a reminder of how many people in our region truly care about children who are grieving. Valerie’s House exists to make sure no child has to walk through loss alone. Through grief support groups, family activities, and caring connections, we help children express their feelings, share memories, and build healthy coping tools.

We are thankful to Gulf Coast News and Britt Leoni for telling this story with such heart, and to Captain James Marko for giving our kids a day they will always remember.

You can read the full article here:
https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/kids-valeries-house-fishing-florida/69484898

To learn more about how Valerie’s House provides support for grieving families in Southwest Florida — or to get your family connected — visit valerieshouse.org.