Mission Statement and FAQs
Mission Statement
The mission of Casting for Recovery® (CFR) is to provide fly-fishing retreats specifically tailored for women who have or have had breast cancer. We seek to enhance the lives of breast cancer survivors by providing retreats designed to promote and support mental and physical healing. We are committed to socioeconomic and cultural diversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Casting for Recovery founded?
- Founded in 1996 with the National Office based in Manchester, Vermont.
- Founded by a professional fly fisher and a breast reconstructive surgeon.
Is CFR a 501(c)(3) non profit?
- CFR was awarded 501(c)(3) non-profit status in 1998. You can view the IRS Determination Letter here: 501(C)(3)CFR.
Why fly fishing & breast cancer?
- No other programs that we know of have combined fly fishing, counseling, medical expertise, and breast cancer recovery.
- Physically, the motion of fly-casting is similar to the exercises that surgeons prescribe after surgery or radiation, thus promoting soft tissue stretching.
- The retreat program offers respite, personal connections, and information to survivors.
How many states does CFR serve? Do you have programs outside the U.S.?
- In 2011, 47 retreats in 330 states served over 650 survivors; many states hold multiple retreats.
- By the end of 2011, CFR had served over 5,000 women since 1996.
- “Sister” organizations are CFR Canada (incorporated in 2004); in 2006, CFR U.K./Ireland was formed.
Is it true that the participants do not pay for the retreat?
- Yes, our retreat programs are offered at no cost to the participants so that women who need our program will not be held back from participating due to financial considerations.
- Many program alumni make a contribution after their retreat experience; 30% of our program alumni have made a financial contribution to CFR.
How much does it cost per participant?
- To serve each woman in a retreat, the direct cost to CFR is approximately $1,000.
How is Casting for Recovery funded?
- CFR relies entirely on donations from individuals, grants, and corporations.
- Approximately 44% of our contributions come from individuals.
- National sponsors include The Hartford, L.L.Bean, Smartwool, Under Armour, and Sisters on the Fly.
- Many individual companies also sponsor retreat programs at the local level.
How much goes to Program versus Administrative costs?
- In 2o11, 78 cents of every donated dollar went directly to programs.
- Administrative costs include participant registration, volunteer training, and fundraising.
- For a copy of the most recent CFR IRS Form 990, click here.
How do women find out about Casting for Recovery?
- In 2011, 15% of our referrals came from the medical community; 27% from friends/family; the remainder are from media, volunteer outreach, and outreach through other organizations.
- By 2011, the Casting for Recovery program was profiled extensively by the New York Times and other national and regional media, including "The TODAY Show," Readers’ Digest, and Women & Cancer magazines.
- Our website, www.castingforrecovery.org, is a resource to find out more about the program.
- We have a Facebook website at http://www.facebook.com/castingforrecovery.
How are participants selected?
- Women at any age and any stage of treatment and recovery from breast cancer are eligible.
- Women may apply to a retreat program for their service area.
- Applicants submit their name, address, and phone number ONLINE, via email (info@castingforrecovery.org) or by our toll-free phone number (888-553-3500), prior to the registration deadline.
Can I sponsor someone?
- As demand is high, a lottery selection process is used to choose participants from a group of applications for the program for which they are eligible.
- Unfortunately, CFR has more applicants than spots available. We send a letter in the beginning of the next year to those not selected in that previous year to see if those women are interested in re-submitting their names.
What is the retreat like?
- Each 2 ½-day program incorporates both fly-fishing instruction and social support, in a setting where the enjoyment of nature and the learning of new skills thrive.
- Up to 14 women participate which is the optimum number for small group dynamics.
- The agenda includes instruction in the basics of fly-fishing and casting, and how they are related to the recovery process of breast cancer, with a focus on wellness as opposed to illness, and empowerment as opposed to helplessness.
- Women participate in the fly-fishing experience at their own comfort level.
- The schedule is full, yet there is plenty of personal time for meeting new friends and reflection.
- For a Sample Retreat Schedule, please click here.
How many volunteers does CFR have?
- We rely on over 1,500 volunteers who serve as retreat staff, planning team members, fundraisers, and outreach advocates.
- Volunteers are trained in retreat program planning and program delivery.
- At least one medical professional, one psychosocial counselor, and four fly-fishing instructors trained specifically for the Casting for Recovery Program staff each retreat.
How many staff does CFR have?
- The National Office employs 4 full-time and 5 part-time staff to manage the volunteers and programs across the U.S.
How many Board of Trustees members are there?
- There are nine Board members who come from backgrounds that include past participants, program volunteers, law, business, and marketing experience.
Do you serve a diverse population?
- Yes, Casting for Recovery is committed to socioeconomic and cultural diversity.
How many women a year are diagnosed with breast cancer? Do you serve men with breast cancer?
- About 1 in 8 women in the United States (between 12 and 13%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. *
- In 2010, an estimated 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 54,010 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. *
- About 1,970 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men in 2010. Less than 1% of all new breast cancer cases occur in men. *
- Since the diagnosis level and the demand is so great among women, CFR must focus on where the need is greatest.
* Breast cancer statistics are from breastcancer.org
Who are the women who attend?
- Participants range in age from late teens to mid-80s, and are from many socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
- The program is appropriate for women in all stages of treatment and recovery, and various stages of emotional adaptation to breast cancer.
How does CFR serve the program alumni?
- Our commitment is providing local volunteers as a resource base and helping maintain connections after the retreat ends.
- Beyond the retreat weekend, alumni reunions are also organized, and many alumnae create their own networks.
- Over 600 alumni have also served as volunteers with CFR.
Does Casting for Recovery work?
In 2008, participant evaluation data showed:
- 88% felt better able to cope with their disease and are more aware and accepting of themselves after attending a retreat
- 99% would recommend this program to/for others
- 89% learned something new about breast cancer
- 97% felt connected with other participants
- 90% intend to continue participating in the sport of fly fishing
