Casting for Recovery is proud to highlight Sage Lodge and Dusty Killebrew, Area Director of Food & Beverage. Dusty has been a longtime supporter of CfR, spreading awareness for our mission. Last August, with Dusty and the dedicated team at Sage Lodge, we co-hosted a Drift Boat Drive-In event, a fun evening filled with community, fishy films, and prizes—all in support of CfR. We are incredibly grateful for Dusty’s commitment to support CfR, which has made this collaboration truly special, helping our mission of empowering women affected by breast cancer with free outdoor healing retreats. We recently had the opportunity to chat with Dusty about his passion for fly fishing, involvement with CfR, and why the sport of fishing is calming, empowering, and even fun, especially for breast cancer survivors.
Tell CfR a bit about yourself, what you do.
I am the Area Director of Food & Beverage for Columbia Hospitality, Montana region. I have been with Sage Lodge and Columbia Hospitality for almost 4 years. I moved out to Montana to live a more outdoors life and I am happy to say after almost 4 years, I think Montana is now home. I have bought a house in Livingston and married the most amazing women ever, Sarah, this past June. So, life is pretty good. If I am not working, you can find me on the river, stream, creek, or any body of water. Fishing is such an important part of my life; I hope to continue seeing more of this beautiful state as I attempt to catch the “big one”.
Do you have a personal connection to breast cancer?
I do. My sister-in-law is a breast cancer survivor (twice). She is the bravest and strongest women I know. She stayed positive throughout and was a voice to many other women in treatment. I contribute a lot of my willingness not to give up when times get difficult to my sister in laws strength and perseverance.
How did you discover Casting for Recovery and how do you support the mission?
I first came across CfR while working at Sage Lodge. Every October, we run a featured cocktail in the restaurants (The Fireside Room and The Grill) with 25% proceeds going back to CfR. The cocktails have been a huge success that has grown over time. My wife and I attended their Drift Boat Drive-In, we both fell in love with the company and the amazing work their team does. As Sage Lodge is a fisherman’s haven and offers guided fly-fishing excursions, I started looking at hosting the next Drift Boat Drive-In on the property. August 20th, 2024, we were thankful and extremely proud to host such a wonderful event at Sage Lodge in beautiful Paradise Valley.
Your interpretation on how fly fishing contributes to the healing and recovery process of a breast cancer diagnosis?
I read one time a quote about fly fishing that has always stuck with me; “You take more to the river than you ever leave with”. What that means to me may mean something else to you. That is what fishing and the great outdoors provides. The chance to be one with nature. Being surrounded by natural beauty has a calming effect, which can alleviate anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. The chance for comfort, release, solitude from whatever YOU are feeling. Many breast cancer recovery groups, such as Casting for Recovery, use fly fishing as a way for survivors to bond, share experiences, and provide mutual support. These group activities reduce the sense of isolation and offer a platform for healing through shared understanding.
What does the sport of fly fishing mean to you?
For me, fly fishing is much more than a sport. It’s a way to connect deeply with nature, find peace, and create lasting memories. It offers a balance between challenge and serenity. The precision and patience required to cast the perfect line feel almost meditative, and it forces you to be present, tuning out everything but the rhythm of the water and the environment around you.
Have you ever had a memorable fishing experience that stands out?
My first time fishing in Yellowstone National Park with my wife, Sarah. This was the first time she caught a beautiful 3-inch brook trout on a dry fly. The sheer excitement and thrill in her face made the experience that much better. The fish was so small it almost swam through the net. We have gone on many trips since then and I am sad to say that Sarah is usually the one catching the biggest fish of the day. If we’re out on the water, all is well.
If you could only fish one fly, which fly would you choose?
Parachute Adams.
What you would tell a breast cancer survivor/thriver who is interested in attending a CfR retreat, but has never been fishing.
“Want to have the most amazing time fly fishing with remarkable women in an unbelievable setting?”
Fly fishing is not about being perfect or catching fish. It’s a mindful activity that allows you to be fully present, and you’ll find that it’s calming, empowering, and even fun. If you attend a Casting for Recovery retreat, you’ll be surrounded by caring, experienced instructors who are passionate about helping you learn at your own pace. Remember, this retreat is designed to support your physical recovery and emotional healing in a safe and welcoming environment. So, even if you’re unsure about fishing, the experience will still be worthwhile, offering you time to relax, learn, and heal in a beautiful, peaceful setting.
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About Casting for Recovery
Founded in 1996, Casting for Recovery (CfR) offers free fly fishing retreats for women at any stage of breast cancer treatment and recovery. Each year, CfR hosts over 60 retreats nationwide, introducing more than 800 women to the therapeutic benefits of fly fishing while providing critical oncology wellness support from medical and psychosocial professionals. With a focus on creating a supportive community, CfR serves women who may not have found comfort in traditional support groups, fostering unique experiences that encourage healing, connection, and personal growth. To date, CfR has empowered over 12,000 women through their transformative retreats.
About Sage Lodge
Sage Lodge is a luxury MT resort that features luxury amenities, Yellowstone lodging, inspiring peaks, rolling rivers and enjoyable outdoor adventures. Sage Lodge is owned by the Joshua Green Corporation and managed by Columbia Hospitality, Inc.
