FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Casting for Recovery continues its powerful mission for healing with grant from Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund

BOZEMAN, MONTANA — Casting for Recovery (CfR), the first national nonprofit to offer fly fishing retreats for women in treatment or recovery from breast cancer, is proud to announce a generous new $100,000 grant from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, which will help the group continue to advance its mission and open the outdoors and the healing power of nature.

The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund continues to help CfR provide powerful outdoor experiences for women across the country—many of whom are connecting with nature and fly fishing for the very first time. Since 1996, CfR has served over 12,500 women with its free 2.5-day fly fishing retreat program.

“We have always been inspired by the healing powers of nature, and we are proud to support Casting for Recovery in connecting these incredibly brave women with the outdoors,” said Johnny Morris, noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder. 

Each year, approximately 800 women participate in CfR’s retreats—gaining not only a new skill in fly fishing, but a renewed sense of confidence and connection. The program weaves together the healing power of nature with fly fishing instruction, peer connection, and support from oncology and psychosocial professionals. Participants learn to tie flies, fish with experienced guides, and engage with nature in a way that fosters lasting community, healing, and empowerment. For 7 out of 10 participants, it’s the first time they’ve ever attended a support group for their breast cancer—and 100% say they would recommend the experience to other women.

“With the support of longtime partners like the Outdoor Fund, we’ve introduced over 12,000 women to the outdoors through fly fishing—a space that offers both solace and strength,” said Susan Gaetz, Executive Director of Casting for Recovery. “We are incredibly grateful for this decade of collaboration and excited to continue expanding our impact, both nationally and with individual Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s stores around the country.”

Guided by the leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund is deeply committed to:

• Conserving wildlife and habitat
• Connecting new audiences to the outdoors
• Advocating for access and sportsmen’s rights
• Supporting military members and veterans

Together, CfR and the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund are ensuring that more women facing the challenges of breast cancer find not just a place for support and healing but a renewed connection to themselves and the natural world.

Casting for Recovery® (CfR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1996 by two women — a breast reconstructive surgeon and a professional fly fisher. CfR’s unique program combines breast cancer education and peer support with the therapeutic sport of fly fishing. The retreats offer opportunities for women to find inspiration, discover renewed energy for life and experience healing connections with other women and nature. CfR’s retreats are open to women of all ages, in all stages of breast cancer treatment or recovery, at no cost to participants.