BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.—A fishing tournament to benefit a Berkeley County first responder who’s dedicated much of his life to community service is in the works for August 27th, 2016.
Mike Yonke is a longtime volunteer firefighter for the Moncks Corner Rural Department and rescue squad member for the Berkeley County Rescue Squad. Last month, Yonke was placed on a ventilator in the intensive care unit at Trident Hospital.
“He has apparently had sleep apnea for a long time. When sleep apnea goes untreated for a long time the brain starts to allow higher levels of carbon dioxide in the body and lowers the level of oxygen allowed in,” stated his daughter.
Due to his low oxygen stats, his daughter stated that her father ended up catching pneumonia.
“He has been in a medically induced coma. His condition has improved a lot and we expect him to make a full recovery,” stated Michael Smart, a fellow firefighter and organizer of the upcoming tournament.
To help his family pay for his rising medical costs, Smart along with Friendly Hill Hunting Club will host a fishing tournament the final Saturday in August. The event will take place at the Russellville boat landing. There will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies given to the winners of the heaviest catfish or bass (up to three) per boat.
The fee is $40 per boat to participate. Boats will launch at 6 a.m. and weigh in will take place from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds from the event will be delivered to the Yonke family.
To learn more about the event or sign up, click here.
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