NATCHITOCHES – For the past decade the Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Foundation has supported Northwestern State University’s competitive bass fishing team, raising money by hosting the DKP Memorial Fishing Tournament on Toledo Bend. But this year’s 10th annual event wasn’t just about fishing and scholarships. The Poche Foundation is also supporting a local child and her family with a donation to the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation.
Incoming NSU freshmen Michael Watkins of Alexandria, Adelyn Parr of St. Francisville and Eli Lockart of Tioga are this year’s recipience of Dylan Kyle Poche Fishing Scholarships that are awarded to NSU students who will compete on the NSU Fishing Team. Funds from the Poche Foundation also defray expenses incurred with travel and competition. Over the last 10 years, the Poche Foundation has donated more than $200,000 to the NSU Foundation, adding $22,000 after this year’s event.
Although devoted to the NSU Fishing Team, Burt and Shelley Poche said they had been looking for other local philanthropies to support. The obvious choice was to help their neighbors and long-time friends Kirk and Morgan Rachal, whose 3-year-old daughter Lydia needs treatment for Sanfilippo syndrome.
Sanfilippo syndrome is a rare terminal neurodegenerative disease estimated to affect 1 in every 70,000 births. Children born with Sanfilippo syndrome lack a specific enzyme that breaks down natural cellular waste so that over time, toxic buildup causes rapid mental and physical degeneration. Losses typically begin around age 4.
There is currently no cure, but important research is taking place. After Lydia’s diagnosis, the Rachals connected with the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation and launched Save Lydia, a far-reaching awareness and fundraising initiative that engaged friends, volunteers, organizations, churches and communities far beyond Louisiana seeking contributions to fund a treatment option. Lydia’s story made national news and support came in from all over the world. The goal was to raise $3.8 million by Dec. 1, 2025, and a remaining $2.2 million this spring to enable Lydia and other children with Type B Sanfilippo syndrome access to treatment.
The goal was met. Lydia is on the list for enzyme replacement therapy. In August, she will be admitted to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for treatment that will last three months, followed by weekly infusions. Gene therapy, which would be a one-time treatment, is still in the future. Information on the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation and Save Lydia is available athttps://curesanfilippofoundation.org/save_lydia/.
Burt and Shelley Poche established the Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Fishing Scholarship in memory of their son to help students who share a passion for fishing achieve their goals while doing what they love. Poche was a 2015 graduate of Natchitoches Central High School and an avid outdoorsman. He excelled at tournament fishing and was a member of the NCHS Fishing Team and the NSU Fishing Team as a freshman. He passed away in January 2016. Information on the Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Foundation is available at https://www.dylankylepoche.com.
A portion of proceeds from the Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Bass tournament will go to the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation in honor of Lydia Rachal. From left are Shelley Poche, Lydia and Morgan Rachal and Burt Poche.