As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, Unconditionally Her celebrates the extraordinary life and enduring love of Becca Sue Klein—a woman whose energy, compassion, and courage continue to inspire everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Becca’s life was a testament to service, strength, and the power of community. She spent her days connecting people—to one another, to nature, and to purpose. Whether standing in the middle of a river teaching a fellow survivor to cast a fly, or cheering a child after their first catch, Becca’s legacy runs as deep and clear as the waters she fought to protect.

The weekend of October 18–19 in Helen, Georgia, was bittersweet. Friends and family gathered to celebrate Becca’s life following her passing on January 21, 2025, after a courageous and lengthy battle with breast cancer. In partnership with Unicoi Outfitters, the Becca Sue Klein All Kids Fishing Event at Nacoochee Bend on the Chattahoochee River was held this year in her memory. Dozens of children, guided by an extraordinary team of volunteer fly-fishing guides from Georgia and beyond, discovered the joy and mindfulness of fly fishing—one of Becca’s favorite ways to bring people together. The riverbanks were alive with laughter and curiosity as kids made their first casts and felt their first tugs on the line. For many, it was the start of a lifelong connection to nature, exactly as Becca had envisioned.

Through her work with organizations like Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, I Fish I Belong, Reeling in Serenity, All Kids Fish, and Casting for Recovery, Becca made the outdoors a place of healing, belonging, and empowerment. She worked tirelessly to ensure that Georgia’s waters—and the sport of fly fishing—were accessible to all, especially those facing life’s greatest challenges.

To honor Becca’s legacy, a beautiful memorial bench now welcomes every guest to Unicoi Outfitters, a lasting reminder of her love for people and place. During this special weekend, surrounded by family and friends, Becca was returned to her beloved river, accompanied by red rose petals drifting alongside her remains. In that moment, her spirit flowed into the waters she cherished most—waters of hope and renewal. Becca understood that healing comes in many forms, and that nature itself has the power to mend what the world may break. Her life reminds us that awareness is not just about pink ribbons or statistics—it’s about compassion, connection, and the courage to help others heal.

Those who loved Becca—her family, friends, and the teams at Unicoi Outfitters and Georgia Women Flyfishers—are deeply committed to carrying on her work. Every child who learns to cast, every woman who finds peace in a stream, and every conservation effort that protects Georgia’s rivers continues the legacy Becca began. The riverbanks of the Hooch may miss her dearly, but her influence flows on. Her laughter still echoes in the bends of the river, her kindness lives on in the smiles of those she taught, and her courage is present in every cast made with faith and love.

So here’s to you, Becca—teacher, friend, and sister of the water. Thank you for your work. Thank you for your legacy.May your light continue to ripple through every stream, every cast, and every heart you touched.

Photos by: Matthew Choe, Glenn Whittington, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and friends.

Special Thank You to Jimmy, Jeff and the Staff of Unicoi Outfitters – Helen, Georgia