Casting for Recovery
Have you heard of Casting for Recovery?
The Casting for Recovery Wyoming Program is here to enhance the quality of life of Wyoming women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer through a unique program that combines breast cancer education and peer support with the therapeutic sport of fly fishing. Retreats offer opportunities for women to find inspiration, discover renewed energy for life, and experience healing connections with other women and nature.
Why fly fishing and breast cancer?
You may be thinking why fly fishing? Well, for women who have had surgery or radiation as part of their breast cancer treatment, the gentle motion of fly casting can be good physical therapy for increasing mobility in the arm and upper body. Couple that with the emotional benefits of connecting with nature, and you’ve got powerful medicine. The retreats are unconventional and described by many women as life-changing.
How did Casting for Recovery come to be?
CfR was founded in 1996 in Manchester, Vermont, by a breast reconstructive surgeon and a professional fly fisher. Their innovative program focuses on survivorship and improving quality of life. In 2017, the Casting for Recovery national office relocated to Bozeman, Montana.
Other fast facts:
- Awarded non-profit status in 1998 and has expanded to Canada, UK/Ireland, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand.
- To date, they have provided over 700 retreats, serving more than 9,400 women nationwide.
- More than 1,800 volunteers are involved nationwide, including medical and psychosocial professionals, fly fishing instructors, and alumnae.
- 70% of the women who attend Casting for Recovery programs have never been to a support group.
How does it work?
Wyoming retreats are open to residents of all ages and in all stages of breast cancer treatment and recovery, and are free. The Wyoming Casting for Recovery program was established in 2011 and has served 126 women from 2011-2019. Participants range in age from 29 to 82 and resided in 21 of the 23 counties. Participants include women who are currently in treatment to those who are 22+ years since their diagnosis.
More than 100 women and men volunteer with Casting for Recovery here in Wyoming. They assist with outreach, program planning, fundraising, retreat, and alumnae events. The retreat staff is made up of volunteer Medical Facilitators, Oncology Nurses, Rural Healthcare Providers, a Psychosocial Facilitator, a Wyoming Cancer Resource Center Regional Coordinator, 3 Fly Fishing Instructors who are professional guides, and 8 alumnae.
Get involved.
Casting for Recovery relies on donations from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other non-profits, and the money is raised annually by volunteers. Funding is also provided by the Wyoming Community Foundation, the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative, the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, the CTC Foundation, and the Hagge Foundation.
So, how can I help?
There are many ways to give and support Casting for Recovery. You can do things like:
- Start a fundraiser
- Donate your birthday
- AmazonSmile
- Employer matching
- Planned giving
- Grocery rewards
- Donate stock
- Donor-advised funds
- Donate a vehicle
To learn more about all of the ways you can give
To learn more about becoming a volunteer
You can also shop to support Casting for Recovery
How to connect with Casting for Recovery
If you have questions about CfR or would like to learn more you can contact Lorielle Morton at lorielle.morton@307cpas.com or Mary Turney at cfrwyoming@hotmail.com.
You can also learn more on the Casting for Recovery website