CASTING FOR RECOVERY INC

Casting for Recovery® (CfR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1996 by two women--a breast reconstructive surgeon and a professional fly-fisher. To date, we have conducted close to 1,000 retreats nationwide serving more than 12,500 women at no cost to the participants. A leading quality of life program for survivors & thrivers of breast cancer, CfR is committed to offering the program to women of any age, race, ethnicity and in any stage of treatment or recovery. Over 1800 volunteers are involved in the program, including local medical and psychosocial professionals as well as fly fishing instructors and program alumnae. Local volunteers plan, implement and coordinate the retreats and lead local fundraising events and activities.

Participants are introduced to the rhythmic motion of fly casting – an ideal physical therapy for exercising the joints and soft tissues often affected by breast cancer treatment and surgery. More importantly, participants also have the opportunity to learn ways to improve their quality of life after diagnosis, bond with other women in similar circumstances, and find new strength and confidence.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. The American Cancer Society estimates that there are over 3 million women living with breast cancer in the U.S. Though early detection, improved diagnosis and advances in treatment have resulted in increased survival rates, many women struggle with short or long term side effects and psychological distress. Due to challenging emotional states, survivors of breast cancer may not access available resources that would help them heal. Further, survivors continue to be impacted by the stigma of having cancer. Many women are reluctant to burden their families with fears and concerns. Consequently breast cancer survivors frequently report feeling isolated even years after treatment is completed.

CfR provides an opportunity for women whose lives have been profoundly affected by breast cancer to gather in a natural setting, learn the sport of fly fishing and address quality of life and survivorship issues while gaining support from others in similar circumstances. Seventy (70%) percent of women who attend our retreats have never been part of a breast cancer support group and are getting substantial support for the first time.

Evaluations show that after attending a retreat:
• 100% of participants would recommend our program to others
• 94.5% of participants gained a better quality of life, measured by an expanded support network (94%) and feeling better able to cope with breast cancer and its treatment (95%).
• 92% of participants reported an increased knowledge of information on medical, psychosocial, and/or emotional issues relating to breast cancer.
• 98% of participants reported receiving new resources to improve their quality of life
• 97.5% of participants reported positive feelings towards outdoor experiences, continuing outdoor physical activities, and/or a healing connection with nature following a CfR retreat