30 Years of CfR

I will never forget attending my first Casting for Recovery retreat as a volunteer. Helping a participant step out of the river that day, she turned to me and said, “This is the happiest I’ve been since my diagnosis.”

Moments like that stay with you forever. The participants and volunteers are what make these experiences so meaningful, and I am endlessly grateful to be part of it.

Over 15 years ago, I was asked to volunteer as a fishing guide for a CFR retreat. I don't know how they got my info, but I am so happy to have agreed. Volunteering for CFR - now as not only a Sunday guide, but also as an instructor and guide wrangler - has evolved into one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences in my life. The strength of the participants inspires me. The deep friendships that have sprung from both participants and other volunteers continues to fill my cup in ways that nothing else has. I want CFR to endure & thrive, for all the women who benefit from nature and fish.

After dealing with breast cancer alone and through covid, including 13 surgeries, CFR gave me a warm hug and taught me how to fly fish! I fish with my volunteer guide at least once a year! I’m so grateful to CFR for showing me a new perspectiv.

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer in 2012. A friend heard about CfR and that there was a retreat in N.Idaho. We applied an accepted. It was an amazing experience from the moment of arrival to the time we drove away. I loved trying new things and listening to the stories of the cancer survivors. Fly fishing is so relaxing and it gives you time to think and contemplate your life and what comes next. I learned how to tie flies, I learned to listen to others and I learned I was not alone in this journey. I am now a 14 year survivor! Keep up the good work!

I had the honor of being selected for a retreat in 2022. The environment created for us was truly remarkable. It felt comfortable to share. We were treated like queens, and each of us connected to one another on a deep level. The day of fishing was both exciting and nerve wracking. My stamina wasn’t great, but I wanted to soak it all in. I had a lovely guide, and all of the volunteers are heroes in their own right. As we were thanking our guides and saying farewell, mine said, “I didn't tell you this earlier, but you reminded me so much of my sister. And she died of breast cancer.”

I participated as a volunteer for about 10 years in IDAHO. This organization and the opportunity that it gives women is an AWESOME experience for all: participants and volunteers! The retreats are a time of mutual sharing of stories, journeys, and skills "peppered" with LOTS of LOVE, LAUGHTER and SUPPORT......and you MIGHT learn to Fly Fish and MIGHT enjoy a whole new world of appreciation for the peace and pleasure that it gives those who partake in that sport.

It was a good experience.

I am grateful for it.

My fly fishing wellness weekend saved me from being bitter and angry. I started volunteering immediately. Giving back to CfR gives what I went thru meaning. I hope to pass the healing I found along to other Survivors and Thrivers.

2014 My wife diagnosed with breast cancer. Amid the emotional ride I suggested an outfit I knew virtually nothing about, CfR.
A novice fly fisher in MI, in treatment, a perfect fit. Oops, no MI program.
2015 Solution, she was appointed program coordinator, learned fund raising, the basics of the program. Viola! A MI retreat in 2016.
We’ve learned the sense of fulfillment, the joys/sorrows, comradery, and bonds that form with a group of women and volunteers on the banks of a river. Wouldn’t trade it for anything.
2026 Planning our annual Program Alum reunion, and our 10th retreat.

A friend recommended I apply for CfC. I had never been fishing in my life and couldn’t imagine myself fishing.

What I caught at the retreat was more than just a chance to fish. I met people who were going through what I was going through. I learned to slow down in life—my thoughts, my fears.

I may have cancer, but cancer doesn’t have me. When I was on that river, I caught a sense of calm. A feeling that everything would be okay.

I’m still fly fishing today. I still have peace. I still have hope.

I was excited but a little apprehensive about going to the Casting for Recovery. First, I am a Type A personality. I don't share my feelings. I bottle it up. And I sure as heck don't hug. I knew going in there would be some kumbaya and I would have to suffer through it. Prior to coming to the program, I was in quite a depression. But during the program, I learned some things. I was not alone in this battle. And my sh*tshow wasn't as terrible. I found my new normal. And I will survive! And now I love fly fishing.

I received a flyer at the Cancer run and decided to apply. I was accepted. Met some other local women and we traveled to the retreat together where we met 7 more participants and different volunteers. We stayed at a nice lodge right on the river. We tried some different foods. They took us out and taught us how to cast fly rods and tie flies. We shared stories. On Sunday which was my birthday we went fishing on the river. Nice day. Saw 2 otters others saw a bear. This was my very first time fishing in Alaska.i caught 4 fish. One of which was a giant one finger size. Pictured. Great experience

I had a rough 2024. So rough I tried to end it all. And that was before I found out I had cancer. I was on auto pilot after my surgery. But then I got accepted to a Casting for Retreat in Nauvoo m, AL.
There, I made friends/sisters for life. My whole outlook on life changed. I realized that there was life after breast cancer. I also gained a new thing that I truly enjoyed and was decent at.

This year I get to volunteer and I’m so excited to share what I experienced. CfR is truly life changing.