$9,085 raised by 52 donors
73% complete
$12,500 Goal
🌟 Did you know? 7 out of 10 women facing breast cancer haven't experienced a support group. At Casting for Recovery (CfR), our mission is to change that narrative by connecting survivors and thrivers through nature and fly fishing, offering invaluable medical oncology and psychosocial support, all FREE of charge.
Our Colorado Chapter hosts 4 transformative retreats every season welcoming 52 brave women. Behind this impactful journey are our dedicated volunteers: doctors, therapists, and fishing guides, all working together to bring joy, healing, and connection.
"One of the best experiences of my life. I was honored and humbled by the staff, volunteers, and my fellow participants with breast cancer. I feel much less anxious, and not so alone. I was getting tired of being brave. Through CFR, I feel that I have been empowered, and I have my mojo back."
"I am so grateful to have participated in this retreat. The staff and volunteers were so warm, kind, and helpful. The North Fork Ranch is such a special, peaceful place run by the nicest family and I felt so welcome there. I enjoyed connecting with others who were vulnerable enough to share their hopes, concerns, and fears. Thank you so much for the time, effort, and money you have put into this retreat. It was truly amazing. A big benefit of this retreat and learning how to fly fish is that I can teach my two boys how to fish. I've been battling cancer for most of their lives. It's empowering for me to become a fly fisherwoman and show them that it's possible to learn something new and to have fun!"
"The friends I made at this retreat are and will be some of the most special people in my life. They will remain part of my life always. I think I am hooked on fly fishing. I realized I am stronger physically and emotionally than I realized... It is difficult to describe the effect this retreat has had on my life. It has changed the way I look at my journey, and it has challenged me to continue to grow and heal. I don't think any other program could have done so much to encourage and support me. I am so grateful that I didn't find that excuse! I heard others say this was a life changing experience. I think it was a life affirming experience encouraging me to keep working on overcoming what I can and accepting what I must. The educational sessions were entertaining and informative. They have a true passion for what they are doing, and it shows..."
The mission of Casting for Recovery (CfR) is to enhance the lives of women with breast cancer by connecting them to each other and nature through the therapeutic sport of fly fishing.
Casting for Recovery (CfR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being of women who have or have had breast cancer through education and support retreats provided at no-cost to the participants. Founded in 1996 by a breast surgeon and a professional fly fisher, the CFR program uses instruction in the sport of fly-fishing, combined with counseling and medical education. Physically, the therapeutic motion of fly-casting is similar to exercises that surgeons prescribe after surgery or radiation, thus promoting soft tissue stretching.
CFR originated in 1996 and is based nationally in Bozeman, MT. Since it's inception, CfR has conducted over 850 retreats, serving approximately 11,500 women nationwide. Retreats are typically held across the United States in 45 states with the help of more than 1,800 medical, psychosocial, fly-fishing and alumnae volunteers.
CfR Colorado retreats are offered at no cost to all women attending, including lodging, meals, professional instruction, education and support. Our quality of life retreats are open to women of all ages and in all stages of treatment and recovery, as well as women from all ethnic and economic groups, particularly the vast majority of survivors who have never attended a support group. We try to remove any barriers that would prevent someone from being able to participate. Participant expenses for the weekend consist only of travel to and from the retreat. Carpools are organized to aid those with limited access to transportation. No previous knowledge or interest in fly-fishing is necessary to participate in the retreat or to derive benefits from the weekend.
Community-based planning teams, with guidance from CfR's national staff, are responsible for the organization of the CfR program in their state or region and for fundraising to support the retreats they provide. The CfR Colorado Program (CfR CO) has hosted at least one annual retreat since 2003 (except for 2020). CfR CO is led by an all-volunteer planning team and will serve women from our state. To date, over 700 Colorado breast cancer survivors have been served with a CfR retreat.
Each retreat hosts a maximum of 14 participants in various stages of breast cancer treatment and recovery, and various stages of emotional adaptation to breast cancer. Through classroom sessions, group discussions, and in-service presentations, the focus is on wellness, learning and empowerment. Medical professionals (e.g.; oncologists, R.N.'s, physical therapists), psychosocial counselors (e.g.; psychologists, social workers), fly-fishing instructors, and community members, trained specifically for the CfR program, staff each retreat as volunteers.
The format of the weekend retreat is a two and a half day event during which participants are offered direct instruction on fly casting, fly-fishing and knot tying. Participants attend two formal psychosocial events where they have the opportunity to discuss emotional issues that arise during breast cancer treatment and recovery. One is held on the first night as an ice-breaker, then the second night where they are encouraged to open up, ask questions, and share their journey. A formal medical educational session is held on the second day which includes presentations on the recovery process and such topics as lymphedema, nutrition, exercise, and leading a healthy physical life post breast cancer. Individual counseling sessions by the trained medical and psychosocial teams are available throughout the weekend. Educational materials and support resources, provided by Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and other local medical providers are incorporated into the program. All programs are provided under the guidelines and requirements of the national Casting for Recovery office.
These retreats offer women a respite from their disease and an opportunity to share their concerns, ask their questions, and become empowered on their recovery continuum while learning an entirely new skill. The attendees have the opportunity to learn more about survivorship, share their journey, and create a dynamic support group.
Organization name
Casting for Recovery, Inc.
other names
CfR Colorado
1996
Category
Diseases, Disorders & Medical Disciplines
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
670 S. Franklin St.Headquarters
109 East Oak St., Ste. 1GDenver County, CO, US
MT, US
Phone
406-624-6583
Other
303-808-6399
Fax
406-624-6584