Our Mission
The mission of Dose of the Coast is to provide coastal adventures to individuals and families who have been impacted by a life-altering illness.
Take a look at the What We Do and Our Impact pages to view pictures and testimonies from VIPs who have experienced a Dose of the Coast!
The History of Dose of the Coast
In 2014, Donald Walker received a chartered fishing trip from his daughter and son-in-law. He looked forward to the trip, and though his energy was in short supply due to chemotherapy treatments, he had no responsibilities other than fishing as he was guided through the beautiful open water and marshes in Empire, Louisiana by professional guide, Mark Trahan. Don and his family enjoyed every minute, making happy memories together during a trying time. From that trip, Dose of the Coast was born – the legacy of Donald R. Walker and his love of the outdoors will live on through the participants and their families as they make lasting memories on the water.
More about Donald R. Walker
Don was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida where he honed his love for all things outdoors. He loved hunting, camping, water-skiing, and above all else, he loved fishing. Don met and married a girl from New Orleans, where they made their home. Don and his wife had three children, with whom he shared his love of the outdoors at every opportunity.
In 1998 at the age of 45, Don was diagnosed with Hepatitis C, the result of a massive blood transfusion administered after an accidental gunshot wound when he was 16 years old. He always reminded people that, without the transfusion that he received, he would not have lived past the age of 16 and while he contracted this dreadful disease, he also received a second chance at life and he was not going to waste a minute. In 2008, he was diagnosed with liver cancer and was given 30 days to live, yet battled the cancer for almost 8 years. He once again did not waste a moment – while his energy was severely impacted, he made the most of life and would get out on the water as often as possible with his family and friends.