This year, Casting for Recovery (CfR) is proud to announce the expansion of our Metastatic Breast Cancer Retreat Program, with the addition of two new locations in Nebraska and Idaho. With the generous support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, CfR is now hosting six retreats across the country specifically designed to serve women living with metastatic breast cancer.
The new retreats in Nebraska and Idaho join our existing locations in Colorado, Texas, Indiana and Georgia. These retreats are uniquely tailored to provide a more intimate and supportive environment, hosting just 10 women per retreat. This smaller group size allows for personalized care, ensuring that each participant receives the attention and support she needs. Each retreat is staffed by a dedicated wellness team, including two oncology medical professionals and two psychosocial volunteers, to address the specific challenges of women battling stage IV breast cancer.
Why Metastatic Retreats Matter
Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is an advanced stage of the disease where cancer has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. Women facing this diagnosis experience unique emotional and physical challenges that require specialized care and support. At Casting for Recovery, we believe it is essential to provide these women with a space where they can find not only physical respite but also emotional healing and connection with others who understand their journey.
“Women with advanced breast cancer are facing a terminal illness. They are often reluctant to share their fears or concerns with family and friends. A CfR retreat provides an opportunity for women to be completely open and honest about their feelings, and that is healing,” said Susan Gaetz, Executive Director of Casting for Recovery. “The retreats offer a sanctuary where women can connect, learn, and find strength in the camaraderie of others who are facing similar challenges. We are incredibly grateful to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for their partnership in making these retreats possible.”
The retreats are more than just a getaway; they are a lifeline for women navigating the complexities of metastatic breast cancer. The opportunity to connect with others who share their experiences, under the guidance of skilled medical professionals and compassionate volunteers, creates an environment of empowerment and hope.
“The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is honored to support Casting for Recovery’s metastatic breast cancer retreats, “said Michael Zenteno, Sr. Director of Programs. “NBCF’s mission is Helping Women Now, and we recognize the critical need for specialized care for women with MBC. Casting for Recovery’s retreats offer a unique blend of wellness and peer support in a therapeutic natural setting that is vital for women facing the challenges of an advanced cancer diagnosis.”
Participant Testimonials:
The impact of these metastatic retreats is best expressed in the words of the women who have experienced them firsthand:
Knowing we were all in this together! These women have the same angst and worries that I do. Though we don’t “look sick” we were all living with this illness as it walked alongside us. The most powerful thing said that will stick with me is “we may just get out of this alive.” It gave me such great hope that perhaps this disease will be controlled and those with it may actually live long and healthy lives. Fingers crossed!
“The most powerful part about spending this retreat with other women with breast cancer was not having to explain how being stage IV made this different. This was literally the first time I remember having that opportunity to be with others that understood the stage IV aspect. I didn’t have to make sure that my words were on mission, I got to just be with them. That was powerful!”
“Seeing other women who had also been given a grave prognosis, but who are doing what they can not only to survive but to thrive, was very encouraging. Their lives and their vitality are testaments to the power of positive thinking, to faith and to the resilience of women who have a reason and a desire to live their best lives. Interacting with the other ladies and volunteers was truly inspiring–a true gift to me.”
Expanding Our Reach
The addition of retreats in Nebraska and Idaho reflects our ongoing commitment to reaching more women with metastatic breast cancer. These new locations allow us to extend our services to women in regions that may have previously lacked access to such specialized care.
As we continue to grow and expand our programs, we remain dedicated to our mission of empowering women through the therapeutic experience of fly fishing, combined with the healing power of nature and community. Our metastatic retreats are a testament to our commitment to serving the needs of all women affected by breast cancer, especially those who are navigating the complexities of a metastatic diagnosis.
With the support of partners like the National Breast Cancer Foundation, we look forward to continuing to provide these life-changing retreats and to expanding our reach even further in the years to come. Together, we can offer hope, healing, and a sense of community to more women facing metastatic breast cancer.
